Theft of Thirteen Artworks from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum March 18, 1990
March 18, 2010 marks the 20th year that frames hang empty at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum as a reminder of the theft of thirteen works of art taken from its galleries. The frames hang empty today as an homage to the missing artworks and as a placeholder for their return. On this, the 20th year since the theft, the Gardner Museum, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Attorney’s Office, remains as committed as ever to the return of these stolen artworks – to the museum and to an awaiting public where they belong.
The Gardner Museum continues to actively investigate any and all leads related to the theft. This ongoing investigation is conducted by the museum’s Director of Security in cooperation with the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office. The focus of the investigation today is on the return of the artworks. The museum continues to issue the call to the holders of the works to conserve them in recommended temperatures and humidity levels. The Gardner Museum is offering a reward of $5 million for information leading to the recovery of these works in good condition and, with the FBI and US Attorney, can ensure complete confidentiality.
Anyone with information about the theft, the location of the stolen artworks, or the investigation may contact the museum’s Director of Security Anthony Amore directly at 617-278-5114 or theft@gardnermuseum.org. The museum can ensure complete confidentiality.
