Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Reward Doubled To $10M

BOSTON, MA — The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has doubled its reward for the largest art heist in history, the Board of Trustees announced Tuesday afternoon.

The reward for the 13 pieces of art stolen in 1990 now sits at $10 million and is good through the end of 2017. The reward was $1 million until 1997, when it was increased to $5 million, which was the largest private reward in the world. More than $500 million of art was taken.

"These works of art were purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner for the education and enjoyment of the public forever," said Steve Kidder, president of the board, in a press release. "It is our fervent hope that by increasing the reward, our resolve is clear that we want the safe return of the works to their rightful place and back in public view."

The art was stolen in the early hours of March 18, 1990. A pair of thieves disguised as Boston Police officers left with work including Veermer's The Concert, Rembrandt's Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee and A Lady and Gentleman in Black, Manet's Chez Tortoni, and Edgar Degas' Leaving the Paddock. Some items are considered among the most valuable stolen items in the world.

"Typically stolen masterpieces are either recovered soon after a theft or a generation later," Museum Security Director Anthony Amore said. "We remain optimistic that these items will ultimately be recovered.

Anyone with information can call the museum at 617-278-5114 or email theft@gardnermuseum.org. Museum officials guarantee confidentiality.

Learn more about the theft here.

Partial image of Chez Tortoni painting