BOSTON – On Saturday, the 33 year anniversary from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the museum announced it would be closing for the day.
However, according to the museum, the closure had nothing to do with the anniversary, but was related to a protest that museum authorities feared would damage the artworks.
“We have been informed that climate activists were planning a protest inside our museum that could endanger our community and art. After careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution for museum visitors, staff and artwork, we have decided to close,” says the museum. in a statement.
“Isabella Stewart Gardner envisioned her museum as a place for art sharing, community and conversation. She was an advocate for all forms of art, as well as the environment, especially horticulture,” said Peggy Fogelman, director of Norma Jean Calderwood. “While it is our mission to safeguard Isabella’s values, we do not support this type of tactic that targets art institutions and could potentially endanger the museum’s collection, staff and visitors.”
All persons who purchased advanced tickets will be refunded. We apologize for the inconvenience to our visitors, members and the entire Gardner community. The museum will reopen tomorrow. For more information, please visit ISGM.org.
The museum said anyone with tickets for Saturday could choose another day to visit or get a full refund.
The closure comes on the 33rd anniversary of the day thieves disguised as Boston police officers convinced two security guards to let them into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The guards were then tied up in the museum basement and the thieves made off with 13 works of art.
The missing art, which includes works by Rembrandt, Degas, Manet and Vermeer, is estimated to be worth at least $500 million. The empty frames remain at the museum.
The museum is offering a $10 million reward for any information leading to the return of the stolen works.