# Mozart statue thefts in Salzburg

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mozart-statue-thefts-in-salzburg
> Updated: 2026-08-17T04:06:16.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

An outdoor commemorative exhibition in Salzburg, Austria, was disrupted by the theft of 210 golden plastic statues. Created by German artist Ottmar Hörl, the 50-centimeter-tall polymer figures depict Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his dog, Pimperl, as part of a display by the International Mozarteum Foundation celebrating the composer’s 270th anniversary.

The thefts occurred gradually over several weeks at the Mirabell Gardens. Although the artist anticipated some loss, the scale of the disappearance prompted police reports. Despite increased security, the thefts continued until nearly all pieces were gone. The foundation has faced difficulties maintaining the display because the manufacturer is currently on summer break and cannot quickly produce replacements.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Art thefts impact European museums and Salzburg landmarks

European museums face a wave of thefts, including over 200 Mozart statues in Salzburg. Meanwhile, stolen Matisse engravings worth 1.9 million SEK were recovered by police in Brazil.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/art-thefts-impact-european-museums-and-salzburg-landmarks

### 2026-08-14: Mozart statues stolen from Salzburg commemorative exhibition

Two hundred and ten golden Mozart statues were stolen from a commemorative exhibition in Salzburg, Austria, forcing the International Mozarteum Foundation to address significant security failures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mozart-statues-stolen-from-salzburg-commemorative-exhibition

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Cite as: Mozart statue thefts in Salzburg. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mozart-statue-thefts-in-salzburg