BOSTON – On Saturday, the thirty third anniversary of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist, the museum introduced it will be closing for the day.
However, based on the museum, the closure had nothing to do with the anniversary however was associated to a protest that museum authorities feared would injury the artworks.
“We have been informed that climate activists planned a protest inside our museum that could put our community and artworks at risk. After careful consideration and abundance of caution for the museum’s visitors, staff and artworks, we have decided to close,” the museum stated in an announcement.
“Isabella Stewart Gardner envisioned her Museum as a place of sharing art, community and conversation. She was an advocate of all forms of art, as well as the environment, especially horticulture,” stated Peggy Fogelman, Norma Jean Calderwood director. “While it is our mission to uphold Isabella’s values, we do not support this type of tactic that targets art institutions and could possibly put the Museum’s collection, staff and visitors at risk.”
It was dangerous timing for one household that was on trip from Louisiana and excited to see the museum.
“We came from New Orleans,” stated Jessica DeFraites. “I mean, took a 30-minute train to get here.”
All people who bought superior tickets will likely be refunded. We apologize for the inconvenience to our guests, members and whole Gardner group. The Museum will reopen tomorrow. For extra info, please go to ISGM.org.
The museum stated anybody with tickets for Saturday may select one other day to go to or be absolutely reimbursed.
“I’ve been trying to see this museum for a while now, but we’ll have to try next time,” stated a customer from Vermont, Nadie Vanzandt.
The closure comes on the thirty third anniversary of the day when thieves disguised as Boston law enforcement officials satisfied two safety guards to allow them to into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The guards have been then tied up within the museum basement, and the thieves acquired away with 13 items of artwork.
The lacking artwork, which incorporates works by Rembrandt, Degas, Manet and Vermeer, is estimated to be price a minimum of $500 million. The empty frames stay on the museum.
“I come every year on March 18th, last eight or nine years, to look at the empty frames,” stated customer Michelle Dixon.
The museum is providing a $10 million reward for any info that results in the return of the stolen works.
