Famous Art Heists: The Stories Behind the Thefts

Art heists have captivated the world with their audacity and intrigue. Here are some of the most famous art thefts in history.

The Mona Lisa (1911)

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre by Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian handyman. He hid the painting in his apartment for over two years before being caught.

The Scream (1994)

Edvard Munch's The Scream was stolen from the National Gallery in Oslo by thieves during the Winter Olympics. It was recovered later that year.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist (1990)

Thieves disguised as police officers stole 13 artworks worth over $500 million, including pieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The case remains unsolved.

The Van Gogh Museum Heist (2002)

Two of Vincent van Gogh's paintings were stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The artworks were recovered in 2016 in Italy.

These daring heists highlight the enduring value and allure of great artworks, as well as the ongoing efforts to protect and recover stolen masterpieces.