The Greatest Museum Heists Of All Time

Published: JAN 15, 2026

THE MONA LISA HEIST (PARIS,1911)

Before 1911, La Gioconda was just another painting, but it turned into a global icon when Vincenzo Peuggia, an ex-worker at the Louvre, had stolen it.

THE ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUESEUM HEIST (BOSTON, 1990)

Two men posing as Boston police entered and stole art worth $500 million, which was never recovered. The empty frames still remain hanging in the museum.

THE GREEN VAULT HEIST (DRESDEN, 2019)

The heist saw thieves smashing glass and steal 21 pieces of royal jewels worth nearly €100million, most of which was recovered, but shattered the royal opulence.

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY HEIST (NEWYORK, 1964)

Jack Murphy, the surfer along with an accomplice, stole priceless gemstones, including a 563-carat star of India, the largest sapphire on earth, making the museum’s security laughable.

THE ANTWERP DIAMOND HEIST (BELGIUM, 2003)

The School of Turin raided the most secure vault in the world, stealing $100 million worth of diamonds, gold and jewellery without a trace. Leonardo Notarbartolo was caught, but the loot was never recovered.

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