A grainy but ominous video captured three hooded figures climbing over one another as they attempted to break into the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands. Around midnight on Saturday, an explosion and火花 filled the air, marking what authorities described as a sophisticated art theft. The museum, home to valuable exhibits including a prized gold helmet from Romania, suffered heavy damage during the incident.
Three golden bracelets and the headpiece of Cotofenesti were stolen. This helmet, once used in ancient Dacian rituals, features elaborate decorations and depicts scenes like a lamb sacrifice. Originally on display at the museum since July 2024, these artifacts were part of a traveling exhibit from Romania’s National History Museum.
While authorities declined to assign a monetary value to the stolen items, Romanian officials emphasized their cultural significance. The case is being investigated in connection with a nearby car fire. Dutch police suspect the thieves set one vehicle ablaze before fleeing in another.
A similar theft occurred last November at an art gallery in Oisterwijk, Netherlands, where thieves reportedly used a bomb to gain entry and steal two Andy Warhol prints. This latest incident underscores the growing concern over cultural heritage in the age of modern art thefts. No immediate contacts were available from the museum or Romanian officials on Sunday. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to trace clues tied to the theft’s connection with another incident nearby.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/europe/art-theft-drents-contofenesti-amsterdam.html