On 18 March 1990, the biggest and most mysterious art theft in history took place. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston was targeted by two thieves who, disguised as police officers, broke into the museum and stole 13 priceless works of art, totaling approximately $500 million.
The Burglary
Shortly after 1:00 a.m., the two men approached the entrance of the museum and claimed they were responding to an emergency call. The guards, following security procedures, allowed them entry. The robbers subdued them, tied them up and locked them in the basement. For 81 minutes, moving undisturbed through the corridors of the museum, they removed paintings and objects of priceless value.
The Stolen Works
Among the 13 stolen works were masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and Manet. The most important of these was Rembrandt's "Storm on the Sea of Galilee", the unique seascape created by the artist. The theft also included Vermeer's "The Concert", one of only 34 of the painter's works that have survived to this day.
The Search for Projects
Despite numerous investigations by the FBI and local authorities, the projects have not been found to date. The museum still keeps empty frames on the walls as a reminder of the loss and is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to their recovery.
An Unsolved Mystery
Many scenarios have been proposed as to who might be behind the robbery - from organised crime to individual art collectors. However, the case remains open and is considered one of the largest and most mysterious robberies in art history.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum remains a symbol of art and culture, with the hope that one day its lost treasures will return to their place.
