Thieves executed a calculated heist at the MuMe museum in Messina, Sicily, this past Saturday evening, stealing four priceless Renaissance artworks while the city was distracted by Assumption holiday celebrations. The stolen pieces include three panels from the 1473 San Gregorio Polyptych and a double-sided panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ in Pietà.
Experts value the stolen collection between 70 million and 80 million euros. While the perpetrators bypassed alarm and security systems to access the items, they abandoned two additional panels behind a wall before escaping the scene. MuMe museum director Marisa Mercurio expressed deep concern over the loss, emphasizing that these works represent the core cultural heritage of the city.
Enzo Caruso, a top official for Messina, described the theft as a disaster for the region. Investigators closed the museum on Sunday to gather evidence. Authorities note that because these specific pieces are world-renowned and easily recognizable, selling them through legitimate markets is impossible. Analysts suggest the items may be held by criminals as collateral for other illicit activities.
This incident occurred just days after police in northern Italy recovered other stolen works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. Officials continue to search for the missing Antonello da Messina panels as they piece together how the security perimeter was compromised during the holiday festivities.