Thieves Steal 45 Historical Artifacts from Valencia Fine Art Museum

Spanish Police are investigating the theft of some 45 historical artifacts of Romanesque style that have been stolen from the Fine Art Museum in Valencia, Spain.

The missing trove consists mainly of medals and coins, but two small sculptures have also been puloined, EFE reports. According to official sources, the items have “great historical value but not a huge economic worth,” and they were not on public display, but stored away.

Police officials have determined that the thieves entered the museum, which is currently undergoing expansion works, in the early hours of Monday through the door of an adjacent property. They also made off with some construction tools.

Romanesque coins, similar to the ones stolen in Valencia
Photo: Blog Numismatico

The Fine Arts Museum in Valencia has an important collection of Gothic altarpieces on display, as well as works by Old Masters such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and Joaquín Sorolla, but no paintings were stolen during the heist, as the thieves remained in the storage area and didn’t reach the gallery rooms.

Police are now focusing on collecting fingerprints. Despite the ongoing investigation and the construction works, the museum is open for visitors.

According to El País, the public museum was the suffered another theft 14 years ago, and its management has recently come under fire for failing to find a new director after the regional government change in July.

Related stories:

Roman Altar Stolen from the Senhouse Museum in England

50 Paintings Stolen from Madrid Gallery

FBI Claims to Have Spotted Works from Gardner Museum Heist