Art protection and the history of major museum thefts

The protection and security of art collections involve both preventative measures and historical lessons from major thefts. International art insurance serves as a specialized tool for collectors, galleries, and museums to mitigate risks such as theft, accidental damage, fire, floods, and earthquakes during transport, exhibition, or storage. These policies often include coverage for restoration costs and legal disputes.

Historically, significant art thefts have highlighted the vulnerability of cultural assets. Notable incidents include the 1990 theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where works by Rembrandt and Vermeer valued at over $500 million were stolen and remain unrecovered. Other major historical thefts include the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre by Vincenzo Peruggia and various robberies at the Van Gogh Museum and the National Museum of Iraq.