Authorities were racing Monday to reassure the public about security at key cultural sites — and find the jewels stolen from the museum before they can be broken up and melted down.

The Louvre Museum heist was a classic case of German efficiency. That at least is how a German freight lift manufacturer jokingly portrayed it in an ad.

The Louvre's cameras failed to detect burglars and prevent the heist of France's crown jewels, the museum's director said on Wednesday, amid growing anger over major security lapses.

The Louvre Museum opened its doors at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning in Paris -- the first time it has welcomed the public since Sunday’s robbery.

The Louvre's director has acknowledged a ″terrible failure″ at the Paris tourist attraction after a daylight crown jewel heist over the weekend.

PARIS - The Louvre in Paris reopened on Wednesday, three days after thieves made off with historic jewellery worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million) in a spectacular heist that has raised urgent questions over security lapses at the museum.