The Isabella Gardner Museum Heist

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist is one of the most infamous and largest art thefts in history. On March 18, 1990 two men dressed as police officers gained entry to the museum by deceiving the security guards, claiming they were responding to a call. Once inside, they overpowered the guards, tying them up, and proceeded to steal 13 works of art. The stolen pieces included works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas, and Manet, among others. The total value of the stolen artwork is estimated at around $500 million, making it the largest-valued theft of private property on record. Despite extensive investigations by the FBI and multiple leads over the years, none of the art pieces have been recovered, and the case remains unsolved. The museum still has the empty frames on display, hoping for the return of the stolen works.