After Louvre robbery, small European museums fear new thefts
In March, criminals stole works by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse worth over 9 million euros from the Magnani Rocca Foundation museum near Parma in just three minutes. The artworks were recovered in August, but the series of thefts has heightened concerns over the security of small European museums.
From a private museum near Parma, the thieves carried out the artworks using headlamps. According to the investigation, after the theft, they unsuccessfully attempted to find buyers in Eastern Europe and Russia; the paintings were returned to the foundation, Reuters reports.
Small museums and art foundations struggle to afford security at the level of major institutions. Researcher Marc Balsells from Barcelona linked the rise in concern to the perception that, following the Louvre robbery, criminals may view small museums as easier targets.
In Italy, 17 thefts from museums and galleries were recorded in 2025. Europol also notes an increase in the aggressiveness of museum robberies and a growing interest among criminals in precious metals, gemstones, and valuable artifacts. The Italian ICOM committee calls for enhanced protection while maintaining museum accessibility for visitors.
