Salzburg art theft: 210 Mozart statuettes stolen from exhibition

A mass theft of 210 golden polymer statuettes has disrupted an art installation in Salzburg, Austria, commemorating the 270th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth. The installation, created by German conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl, originally featured 320 small figures depicting Mozart with his dog, Pimperl.

The sculptures were displayed in various locations, including the Mirabell Gardens, the composer's former residence, and several pavilions. Authorities and the Mozarteum Foundation reported that the theft likely occurred overnight in public spaces. Hörl characterized the incident as “organized theft” rather than the work of individual tourists.

The loss is estimated at approximately 20,000 euros, based on the artist's intended post-exhibition sale price of roughly 90 to 100 euros per piece. Due to the scale of the disappearance, the exhibition was partially curtailed. Replacements could not be immediately provided as the manufacturer was on holiday. A small number of the remaining sculptures will stay on display until August 30.