On 33rd anniversary of heist, Gardner Museum closes due to planned protest

By Web Staff

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — On Saturday, the 33rd anniversary of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the museum announced it would be closing for the day.

However, according to the museum, the closure had nothing to do with the anniversary but was related to a protest that museum authorities feared would damage the works of art.

“We have been informed that climate activists planned a protest inside our museum that could put our community and artworks at risk. After careful consideration and abundance of caution for the museum’s visitors, staff and artworks, we have decided to close.”

The museum said anyone with tickets for Saturday could choose another day to visit or be fully reimbursed.

The closure comes on the 33rd anniversary of the day when thieves disguised as Boston police officers convinced two security guards to let them into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The guards were then tied up in the museum basement, and the thieves got away with 13 pieces of art.

The missing art, which includes works by Rembrandt, Degas, Manet and Vermeer, is estimated to be worth at least $500 million. The empty frames remain at the museum.

The museum is offering a $10 million reward for any information that leads to the return of the stolen works.

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