Where Was the Biggest Art Heist in History?

Art|Art History

The biggest art heist in history is considered to be the robbery of 13 works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. The theft occurred on March 18, 1990 and remains unsolved to this day.

The stolen artwork included pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, Degas, and Flinck. The estimated value of the artwork ranged from $200 million to $500 million. Among the items stolen were Rembrandt’s only known seascape painting entitled “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee” and Vermeer’s “The Concert” which is one of only 34 known paintings by the Dutch master.

The heist was carried out by two individuals dressed as police officers who gained access to the museum after they told a security guard they were responding to a disturbance call.

The thieves took their time inside the museum and even stopped for tea at one point. They managed to make off with 13 works of art without being detected.

Despite an extensive investigation by both federal and local law enforcement agencies, no arrests were ever made in connection with the theft. The FBI believes that many of the stolen works are still intact and may be held by organized crime figures in New England or Europe.

Conclusion:

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist is considered to be the biggest art heist in history due to its staggering estimated value of $200-$500 million and its unsolved status 30 years later. Despite an extensive investigation by law enforcement agencies, no arrests have ever been made in connection with this crime.