Art museum in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with retired FBI special agent and author Geoffrey Kelly about his new book, Thirteen Perfect Fugitives, about the 1990 Gardner Museum heist in Boston, Massachusetts. Geoff was head of the Gardner investigation for the FBI for many years and after his recent retirement he wrote this outstanding book. Check it out wherever you get your books! Links below. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Thirteen-Perfect-Fugitives/Geoffrey-Kelly/9798895653173. https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Perfect-Fugitives-Murder-Largest/dp/B0FDGTZJH9. Check out Quince: https://quince.com/MISSING. Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com. The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound. Follow Crawlspace: IG: https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast. FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast. X: https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340. Follow Missing: IG: https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm. FB: https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM. X: https://twitter.com/MissingCSM. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447. Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I sit down with retired FBI agent Geoff Kelly, a specialist in art theft investigations who inherited one of the most notorious unsolved cases in American history—the 1990 robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. He recently wrote a book about this theft titled 13 Perfect Fugitives: The True Story of Mob, Murder, and the World’s Largest Art Heist. Kelly's law enforcement career began as a New York City transit police officer before transitioning to the FBI. Like many agents, he initially sought violent crime work. Instead, he was assigned to economic crimes before eventually transferring to a violent crime squad. It was there that he encountered the Gardner case—a cold case largely untouched by senior agents at the time. The robbery itself remains extraordinary: two men posing as police officers gained entry to the museum and stole 13 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt. More than three decades later, none of the works have been recovered. Inside the Gardner Heist Geoff explains how art theft is often misunderstood. Popular culture portrays refined, sophisticated criminals orchestrating elaborate capers. The reality, he says, is usually more opportunistic and frequently violent. Art theft often intersects with organized crime, drug trafficking, and even homicide. Massachusetts has a documented history of art-related crimes, and several individuals connected to the Gardner investigation met violent ends. The criminal underworld surrounding stolen art is less about wealthy collectors hiding paintings in private vaults and more about leverage—using artwork as collateral in criminal negotiations. The FBI's Art Crime Evolution Following the 2003 looting of Iraq's National Museum during the Baghdad invasion, the FBI formalized its Art Crime Team. Kelly discusses how intelligence gathering, informants, and international cooperation became central tools in recovering stolen artifacts. He emphasizes that solving art crimes often depends less on forensic breakthroughs and more on human intelligence. Informants remain essential, especially in cases where organized crime overlaps with high-value theft. Kelly also discusses his upcoming book, 13 Perfect Fugitives, which explores the intersections of mobsters, murder, and the illicit art market. Organized Crime and the Reality of Stolen Art Drawing on my own experience working organized crime in Kansas City, I found clear parallels between traditional mob rackets and art theft networks. The same structures—intimidation, secrecy, and violence—apply. Once a painting disappears into criminal circulation, it becomes a liability as much as an asset. Kelly challenges the myth that thieves profit easily from masterpieces. High-profile works are difficult to sell. The black-market art world is volatile and dangerous. In many cases, the artwork becomes bargaining collateral rather than a cash windfall. A Case Still Waiting for Closure More than 30 years later, the Gardner Museum still displays empty frames where the paintings once hung. Kelly remains committed to the idea that public awareness may eventually generate new leads. The Gardner heist stands as both a cultural tragedy and a criminal mystery—one that continues to intersect with organized crime, violence, and international intrigue. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here. To purchase one of my books, click here. Transcript [0:00] Hey, you guys, Gary Jenkins back here in studio Gangland Wire. Y’all know me. I’m a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective and now podcaster and documentary filmmaker. I have in the studio today… Jeff Kelly, he’s a now-retired FBI agent. He was an expert in recovering stolen artifacts and art pieces. He was involved. He wasn’t involved in the original theft of the Boston art theft, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, but he ended up inheriting that case. So welcome, Jeff. Hi. Thanks, Gary. Nice to be here. And guys, I need to mention this right off the bat. Jeff has a book, 13 Perfect Fugitives, The True Story of the Mob, Murder, and the World’s Largest Art Heist. Be out on Amazon. I’ll have links down below in the show notes if you want to get that book. I think it would be pretty interesting. I was telling Jeff, I just interviewed Joe Ford, the million-dollar detective, the guy that goes after classic cars, and I read that book. I love these kind of caper kind of books and caper crimes. Those are the ones I like the best is the caper crimes. And Jeff is an expert at working caper crimes. And that’s what these are, capers. So Jeff, how did you get into this? Now you came on the FBI. You were a policeman before, I believe. So tell the guys a little bit about yourself and your FBI career. Yeah, I started out with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police in New York City. It was a transit cop. I did that for three years. And then I got into the FBI in October of 95. [1:30] And my goal was always, I wanted to work violent crime. That’s what drew me to law enforcement in the first place, working bank robberies and kidnappings and fugitives. I had to do my five years on working economic crime, telemarketing fraud. It was interesting, but not all that exciting. And finally in 2000, I got my transfer to the violent crime squad. And I loved working it. And I did it for my entire career from then on, right up until my retirement in 2024. But back then, art theft was considered a major theft violation, [2:01] and it was worked by the Violent Crime Squad. And so in 2002… My supervisor dumped this old moribund cold case in my lap. It was the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. [2:15] Nobody wanted it on the squad, so they figured, let’s give it to the new guy. I was ecstatic to get it because I’d heard about it. I went to school in Boston. I went to Boston University and graduated the year before it happened, but I knew about it. [2:28] That’s how I started working this case, this particular case, and then the following year during the U.S., there was a, the U.S. And coalition forces invaded Baghdad in Iraq. And during a 36-hour period, more than 15,000 objects of very, very important cultural history were looted from the National Museum of Iraq. And it’s really one of the most important museums in the world in terms of our shared history. Kind of the cradle of civilization over there in the Tigers and Euphrates River. Yeah, and that was the time when the FBI kind of belatedly realized that there was no art crime team to investigate this. And of course, FBI agents have been working art theft like any other property crime since the beginning of the FBI’s existence, but there was no codified team. So they did a canvas for the team in 2004 and I applied for it because at this point I’d been working the Gardner case for a couple of years and really was fascinated by it and made the team. And so then over the next 20 years, we continued to expand the team both in size and in scope and in our intelligence base and knowledge base. And when I left the Bureau in 2024, it was and still is a tremendous team with a lot of very dedicated and professional agents and professional support. [3:51] Now, guys, if you don’t know about the Isabella Stewart Gardner case, there was a Netflix documentary on it a few years ago. It was an art museum in Boston. [4:01] Two guys showed up. They had Boston police uniforms on, and they got in. They basically, it was an armed robbery, and they took control of the museum. The guards were in there late at night and took these really valuable paintings out. I believe you told me earlier they were Remington paintings. We’ll get into that. And it was a violent crime. It was an armed robbery of paintings, and you told me about other armed robberies of paintings. I think you got into some other armed robberies of paintings. You always think of, as you mentioned before, the Thomas Crown Affair character that goes out and does these sophisticated art thefts. That’s not always true, is it? It’s never that way, but it doesn’t matter. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. Everybody wants to believe that art thefts are pulled off by the Thomas Crown Affairs and these gentlemen thieves repel in through skylights and do all that fancy stuff, put it in their underground lair. That’s just not the way it works. But if you look to art theft. [4:55] Massachusetts really is a cradle of art theft in this country, and it’s very unique. The first armed robbery of a museum occurred in Boston in 1972. It was committed by a guy named Al Monday, who was a prolific art thief. And they stole four pieces from the Worcester Art Museum in central Massachusetts with a gun. They ended up shooting the guard. And one of the pieces that they stole was a Rembrandt called St. Bartholomew. [5:26] And in keeping with the milieu of true art thieves, the paintings were stored on a pig farm just over the state line in Rhode Island. And when this Connecticut safecracker by the name of Chucky Carlo, who was looking at some serious time in prison for some of the crimes that he committed, when he found out that Al Monday had these paintings, he just simply kidnapped Al Monday and stuck a gun in his ribs and said he would kill him if he didn’t give him the paintings. which is no honor among thieves. And Al turned over the paintings, Chucky returned them, and he got a very significant break on his pending jail sentence. Right here in 1972, Boston thieves see Rembrandt as a valuable get-out-of-jail-free card. [6:09] And then if we jump forward three years to 1975, there was a very skilled art thief, really a master thief by the name of Miles Conner. I interviewed Miles for my book. It was very gracious of him to sit down with me for it. And he had robbed or committed a burglary of the Woolworth estate up in Maine, the family, the five and dime family magnets. And he got caught for it because he tried to sell those paintings to an undercover FBI agent. And so he was looking at 12 years in prison for it. And he was out on bail. And he reached out to a family friend who was a state trooper. And he asked him, how can I get away with this one? How can I get out of this? Because he was in serious trouble. The trooper’s response was meant to be hyperbolic. The trooper said, Miles, it’s going to take you a Rembrandt to get out of this one. [6:57] And so Miles said, okay, I’ll go get a Rembrandt. And he got a crew together and they did a daylight smash and grab at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, just across the street from the Gardner. And they stole Rembrandt, the girl in a gold-trimmed cloak. [7:12] And he was able to return that painting. Instead of doing 12 years, he did 28 months. And he even managed to, he told me he even managed to get the $10,000 reward in the process. So you have this atmosphere in Massachusetts that Rembrandts are a valuable commodity, right? They can help you out in a jam. And so I think it’s no coincidence that in 1990, when the Gardner Museum heist came down, the Gardner Museum had this array of motion sensors all throughout the museum. It would alert to wherever you went, every gallery, hallway, whatever. [7:49] And we know from these motion sensors that after, as you said, the two guys went in disguised as cops and bluffed their way into the museum, they made a beeline for the Dutch room, which is the room of all things Rembrandt. They stole three Rembrandts. They stole a fourth piece called Landscape with an Obelisk, which was actually by Govard Flink, but it had been misattributed to Rembrandt until the mid 80s. And then they took a large Rembrandt oil-on-panel off the wall and it was recovered the next morning leaning against a piece of furniture. We believe they just overlooked it in the dark. So out of the 13 pieces taken, three were Rembrandt, a fourth was misattributed to Rembrandt, and there was going to be a 14th piece taken, which was also Rembrandt. It definitely falls into that theory that this was going to be a hold-on to these pieces for a while and see if you can use them for a break. [8:48] Interesting. Now, back in the 70s, for example, when somebody would work in an art robbery like that or an art theft, you got your tried and true ways of working a crime. You got to have sources, you got to have witnesses, and hopefully you can get a crime like this. You can get a source that says, hey, this guy, we had a guy in Kansas City that he was a fence for these kinds of guys. He had an antique auction and he took all this stuff and got it somewhere else. So at the time, just use your regular police methods. And what changed over the years as you’ve done this? Yeah, certainly we’ve become much more sophisticated with the techniques that we use. But at the end of the day, it’s always still going to be intelligence. But I found from working my entire career in violent crime, virtually my whole career in violent crime, the sources are crucial. Having a good informant can make and break a case. And working art theft investigations, you’re certainly going to have the same types of fences of informants, fences for stolen property and what they’re hearing about what organized crime guys are doing and what drug guys are doing. But it also opened up a whole new avenue of sources for me as working in art investigations, because now you’ve got pawn shops and gallery owners and auction houses, and they’re in a position to know when not only when stolen artwork is coming in, but also fakes and forgeries. We spoke about this, that. [10:16] Somebody comes in with one valuable piece that would be very difficult for somebody in his or her position to come across one piece like this, let alone a dozen of them. That really points to probably a fake. And so that’s really the key to solving these things is just having a good intelligence base who’s going to let us know about when something comes up that’s either stolen or it’s been forged. [10:43] Brings up a question. In my mind, did you ever work a gallery owner or a gallery [10:48] that then would filter in, knowingly filter in some fakes every once in a while? They couldn’t do it 100% of the time, but you could certainly make some extra money by filtering fakes out of it because many people would get it and they’d never know. Nobody would ever know. Listen, it is a really difficult thing when you’re working these types of crimes because unlike bank robber, you go into a bank and you stick them up with a gun and take them on. It’s not up to the government to be able to prove at trial that you knew that the bank was insured by the FDIC. You went in and you robbed it, you committed the offense. When you’re talking about interstate transportation of stolen property or possession of stolen property, there are what’s called specific intent crimes, meaning you have to prove the element of knowledge. You have to be able to prove that the person knew that that item was stolen. Not that it said it was stolen. and you had to show that they knew it. And that’s a really high hurdle to overcome. And typically what we do to try and prove that specific intent is we’re going to go through. [11:53] Recorded statements made to a source or to an undercover or emails or texts or something that we can show that this person knew that item was stolen. And so we would see that a lot in auction houses and galleries. There’s a lot of willful blindness where a lot of gallery owners and auction houses, they’re going to look the other way because it’s too lucrative to pass up. And in fact, in 2015, the art crime team, once we received information that ISIL or ISIS was using looted cultural property from Syria and Iraq as a form, a viable form of terrorism financing. And we put auction houses and gallery owners on notice in 2015, and we basically told them that if you’re selling objects of cultural patrimony or cultural heritage with a dubious provenance, like a wink and a nod, you may be unwittingly or wittingly funding terrorism. While we never charged anybody with it, hopefully it was an eye-opener that when you’re getting into this world, it’s not a victimless crime. There are very real victims involved. [13:07] And that’s one of the things that really is interesting about working our crime investigations. And I used to get ribbed by my friends who were not on the art crime team about [13:18] where like the wine and cheese squad were raised and everything. But our subjects are far from it. We’re dealing with organized crime, gangs, terrorists. This is no joke. These are serious individuals and the stakes are high. And in the Gardner case, three or four people that we believe were involved in the heist were murdered a year after the Gardner case crime occurred. Yeah, I was just going to go back to that a little bit, as we said before, a little bit like the Lufthansa case. All of a sudden, everybody that was involved in the theft. Started dropping like flies. So tell the guys about that. That is really interesting. [14:00] Yeah. So the two individuals that we believe went into the museum dressed as cops, just a week shy of the one-year anniversary, one of the guys was found dead in his apartment of an acute overdose of cocaine, intravenous. And his family admitted that he used Coke, but they said he was terrified of needles. He was scared of needles. So it really looked to be like a hotshot, an intentional overdose of cocaine. Two weeks later, the other guy who we believe went into the museum with him, his wife reported him missing. And a couple of weeks later, his bullet riddled body was recovered in the trunk of his car out by Logan Airport in East Boston. There was another member of that crew. These were all part of the same crew. This Carmelo Merlino, who was a Boston mobster, had an auto shop down in the Dorchester section of Boston. Another member of his crew, a guy named Bobby, six weeks after the heist, he brought in, he visited a jeweler in the downtown crossing jewelry district in Boston. He came in with this object and he unwrapped it. It was an eagle. [15:03] It was the finial from the Napoleonic flag that was stolen in the Gardner heist. And he asked the jeweler, how much is this thing worth? And the jeweler looked at it and he said, it’s worth nothing. Because he immediately recognized it as one of the people that had been stolen six weeks earlier from the Gardner heist. And then a few months later, Bobby was stabbed to death and nearly decapitated on the front porch of his house. And the responding police saw that his house had been broken into and ransacked like his killers had been looking for something. There was a fourth guy, Jimmy, who bragged to his girlfriend a few months after the heist that he had a couple of pieces from the Gardner Museum hidden in his attic. [15:47] And in February of 1990, 11 months after the heist, he was executed on his front porch in what the local police called a mob hit. So, yeah, these are the types of crimes that have a tendency to have a chilling effect on anybody who harbors any aspirations to come forward with information. Yeah, and we talked earlier a little bit about, like, the crime itself, and the statute of limitations is up on that, what you said, and the crime itself, but how we talked a little bit and explained to them about how this could be part of a RICO case. And you’ve got the murders and you’ve got the actual theft and whatever they did with the paintings, then maybe you could get over after a Bob boss as a Rico case. Tell the guys a little bit about doing that. Yeah. [16:32] I’ve heard it so many times in more than two decades that I worked the case and people would say, geez, why don’t people come forward? They’re just paintings. There are so many times they’re just paintings. They’re like, yeah, they are, but there’s two things about that. Number one, there’s some dead bodies on these paintings, three or four, and that there’s no statute of limitations for murder. And so if you implicate yourself in the theft or you implicate yourself in possessing or transporting these paintings at any time, the fear is that you’re then implicating yourself in a homicide. And the other aspect of this, which I think has a chilling effect, is the fact that transportation of stolen property is one of the predicate acts for RICO, racketeering influence corrupt organization case. And RICO is basically, Gary, is basically an entire organization is corrupt. Yeah. There’s no legitimate purpose. It’s what we think about the mob and the [17:27] FBI has taken down the mob in the past. So if you implicate yourself in stolen property and you’re part of organized crime, that’s one of the predicate acts for a RICO. And that’s basically life sentences. And so one of my goals in the years and years that I worked in this case was to try and convince people that you could come forward with information and the U S attorney’s offices, whether it’s up in Boston or new Haven or Philadelphia. [17:58] Would be willing to figure out a way to get the paintings back with immunity from prosecution for a RICO case. Look, that’s a high hurdle. That’s a high hurdle to convince somebody that if you come forward, you’re not going to get charged and you’re eligible for millions of dollars in reward. That’s a tough bill to swallow, but it’s the truth. I’m retired from the FBI now. I can tell you that it was, it’s a, it was, and still is a bona fide offer. And that’s one of the goals that I’ve always tried to impress on anyone is the opportunity to become a millionaire without going to jail. There you go, Jeff. Can you, now you’re not with the Bureau anymore. Can you go out, if you could go out and find them and bring them in, could you collect that reward? I would certainly hope so. [18:48] I can’t tell you how many of my friends thought that I had some of these paintings stashed in my basement. Waiting for retirement to go turn them in the next day. I think half the guys I worked with were expecting to see me pull into the parking lot of the FBI. [19:01] Big package, but no. But yeah, I suppose I could. By this point, I can tell you the amount of my very being that I put into this case over two days. Yeah. I just would love to see these paintings go back just because they need to be back at the museum. That’s where they belong. Now, these crimes, they seem, You said there’s a lot of murders attached to this. They seem a little boring. Did you have any exciting moments trying to pop anybody or do any surveillances? I know we did a big surveillance of a bunch of junkies that were going around stealing from small museums around the Midwest. And we follow them here in Kansas City. And they would have been pretty exciting had we had a confrontation with them. Did you have any exciting moments in this? It actually was a fascinating case. And for the first, there’s the really boring aspects of this job and tedious aspects. And I would say that in my, two decades working this case, I probably did, I don’t know, 50, 60, 70 consent searches, searching in attics and basements and crawling through crawl spaces and just getting sweaty and covered in cobwebs. But the break in the case for me came in 2009 when one of the guys who was part of Merlino’s crew who was deceased, his niece came forward to me and told me that the paintings. Some of them had been hidden up in this guy’s hide at his house up in Maine. I went up to Maine with Anthony Amore, who’s the director of security for the Gardner Museum. We worked on this case together for years. [20:29] And then we found that hide. And then we interviewed, right from there, we went and interviewed Guarenti. That’s the guy, Bobby Guarenti. We interviewed his widow and she broke down and admitted that he once showed her the paintings and she gave them to a guy down in Connecticut. And we identified that guy and we interviewed him. My name is Bobby Gentile. He’s a made member of the Philly Mob. He got straightened out with his crew back in the late 90s. [20:54] And he refused to cooperate. And then that’s where we really just started getting, using a lot of ingenuity to try and break it. And an agent down in the New Haven office, a guy by the name of Jamie Lawton, he joined our team and we started working this case. And he had a source who knew Gentile, Bobby Gentile, and the source started buying drugs from Gentile. Ah, there we go. We ended up arresting Gentile and we did a search warrant at his house. And it was crazy. Like we recovered, I want to say seven handguns, loaded handguns lying all over the place. He had a pump action shotgun hanging by the front door. He had high explosives. We had to evacuate the house and call him the bomb squad. But the interesting thing was he had the March 19th, 1990 edition of the Boston Herald with headlines about the Gardner heist and tucked inside that newspaper was a handwritten list of all the stolen items. With what looked like their black market values. This is in the house of a guy who swore up and down that he’d never heard of the Gardner Museum. And we were able to figure out who wrote the list. It was written by none other than Al Monday, who’s the guy that did the first armed robbery of a museum, of a Rembrandt. And we interviewed him and he told us that he wrote that list for Bobby Gentile and his buddy up in Maine, Bobby Garanti, because they had a buyer for the paintings and they wanted to know what they were worth. [22:24] So yeah, and then Gentile took 30 months. [22:28] He wouldn’t cooperate. And while he was incarcerated, we turned two of his closest friends to becoming sources. And so when he got out of prison in February or April of 2014, they started talking to him and talked about the gardener and they said they might know somebody who’d want to buy him. That’s how we then introduced an undercover agent. Gentile was introduced to Tony, this undercover FBI agent. Over six months, they had long talks about selling the paintings. Unfortunately, before Gentile would sell the paintings, he wanted to do a drug deal first, which we couldn’t allow to happen. We can’t let drugs walk on the street. So we had to take it down. And although we’d seized all these guns from Gentile back in 2012, he told the sources the FBI didn’t get all of his guns. Because of that disturbing comment, one of the sources asked Gentile if he could buy a gun for him. And Gentile sold him a loaded 38. So we arrested him again. And he still refused to cooperate. I don’t respect what he did for a living or a lot of the things that he did, but you do have to respect his adherence to his values. However, misguided they may have been, he took the code of omerta, the code of silence to heart, and he took it to his grave. He died, I think, in 2021 after going to prison a second time. [23:50] While we never got any paintings back, it was a tremendous ride, and I’m confident they will come back. It’s just going to be a question of when. Yeah, that kind of brings up the question that you hear people speculate. Did you ever run across this? Is there actually any rich old guys or an Arab sheik or somebody that buys stuff like this and then really keeps it and never shows it to anybody? Does that unicorn really exist? everybody wants that to be true i know virtually it’s not yeah there’s there’s never been a case of some wealthy what we call the doctor no theory some some reclusive billionaire with his underground lair filled with all the illicit stolen treasures of the world yeah that’s it’s never happened yeah i guess you never say never but but no look the majority statistically about three-quarters of everyone that collects art in this country does it for, and I assume it’s probably worldwide, does it for the investment potential. There’s a lot of money to be made in collecting art. It rarely, if ever, drops in value. So that’s why people collect art. If there’s somebody who has a particular piece that they want so badly that they’re going to commission its theft, it’s more the stuff of Hollywood. It could happen, but we’ve never seen that happen yet. Interesting. [25:14] We did have one case here where we had a medical doctor and he had it on the wall of his house. And it was, I believe it was a Western artist named Remington that these junkies stole out of Omaha. But it was such a minor piece that he could show it to anybody and they wouldn’t. They would say, oh, that’s cool. You got a Remington. [25:30] There’s plenty of those around. And he could afford a real deal Remington anyhow. So it wasn’t that big a deal. And that’s really what it comes down to is that art, high-end art does get stolen. It gets stolen quite often. The art market is about $60 billion, and the FBI, we estimated about $6 to $8 billion of that is illicit, whether it’s theft or fakes and forgeries. It’s a tremendous market, but it’s mostly second and third tier items. [26:02] Really valuable, well-known pieces. They do get stolen, but that’s the easy part. The easy part is stealing it. The hard part is monetizing it. That’s why you very rarely see recidivism among art thieves, high-end art thieves, because you do it once, and now you’re stuck with the thing. It’s easier to steal something else. You got to go out and boost fur coats and stuff to make a living. Exactly. Do a jewelry store robbery down there and make a living. And that’s exactly the point. That’s why you’re seeing a sea change in terms of art thefts, museum thefts. The Louvre was a great example of that. Dresden green vault robbery where 100 million euros in gems were stolen back in 2019 yeah. [26:45] Gems and jewelry, it can be broken down. It’s going to greatly diminish their value, but you can recut a gem. You can melt down the setting. You can monetize it for a greatly diminished value, but at least you can monetize it. You can’t cut up a Rembrandt into smaller pieces. [27:02] It’s only valuable as a whole complete piece. Yeah. I’m just thinking about that. We got a couple of guys, Jerry Scalise and Art Rachel in Chicago, flew to London, robbed a really valuable piece, the Lady Churchill’s diamond or something, I don’t remember, but really valuable piece and mailed it to somebody on their way to the airport and then got caught when they got back to Chicago and brought back to London and did 14 years in England and they never gave up that piece and nobody could, it never appeared anywhere, but it was just cut up and they didn’t make hardly any money off of it. Yeah. Look, there’s a, there’s much more profitable ways to. Yeah. To make an illicit living than stealing high-end artwork, but it does still get stolen. And that’s one of the cruel ironies when you’re talking about art theft is if somebody has a $20,000 piece of jewelry or a very expensive watch, they’re most likely going to lock it up in a safe in their bedroom or something. But you have a $10 million piece of artwork, you probably got it on the mantle. You’ve got it over the fireplace or in the front foyer of your house and probably doesn’t have a passive alarm system protecting it or security screws to keep it from being taken off the wall because people want to show it off. Yeah. It’s way too enticing. [28:24] Really? So, yes, you need to keep the word out there and keep this in people’s minds. And I’m sure the museum tries to do this in some ways in order, hopefully, that maybe somebody will say, oh. Yeah. [28:38] I think I saw that somewhere in this news program or on this podcast. [28:42] I’ll put some pictures on the podcast when I end up editing this. No, please do, Kerry. And that’s the thing. That’s the basis for the title of my book is it really is a fugitive investigation. And that’s how I work this case is fugitives and perfect fugitives because they’re not like their human counterparts. They’re not going to get tripped up on the silly things that we need to do as human beings, getting a driver’s license or whatnot. Yeah. [29:09] And so that’s how I worked the case. The FBI was really, I was always impressed with the FBI’s support that they gave me on this investigation. We did billboard campaigns and social media and a lot of things to get these images out there to the public, hoping it might resonate with somebody. And that’s really my goal for this book. I felt it should be written. I felt it’s an important case. Certainly, it’s something that I wanted to write about. It’s something that’s very important to me. [29:42] But it’s yet another attempt to apprehend these fugitives. And I’m hopeful that somebody, it might resonate with somebody. Somebody’s going to see something. And there’s so much disinformation and misinformation that’s out there in the media about this case. People are endlessly, all these armchair detectives, and I don’t say it in a deprecating way. Good for them. Work as hard as you can. But if you want to work this case from your armchair, great. but you should be going off accurate information because there’s a lot of bad information that’s out there on the internet. And if you want to help out, if you want to collect that $10 million reward, great, but you should be going off the most accurate factual information that’s available. Yeah. And you probably ought to go down to the deep seamy underbelly of Philadelphia or Boston or somewhere and get involved with a mob and then work your way up and make different cocaine deals and everything. And eventually you might be trusted enough that some might say, oh yeah, I’ve got those in this basement. I would suggest there’s better hobbies. [30:47] That could be hazardous to your health. I wouldn’t recommend it. Yes, it could. All right. Jeffrey Kelly, the book is 13 Perfect Tuesdays. Those are the paintings that were stolen that you’ll see on the podcast on the YouTube channel. The true story of the mob, murder, and the world’s largest art heist. Jeffrey, thanks so much for coming on to tell us about this. Thanks, Gary. Thanks for having me.
In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with retired FBI special agent and author Geoffrey Kelly about his new book, Thirteen Perfect Fugitives, about the 1990 Gardner Museum heist in Boston, Massachusetts. Geoff was head of the Gardner investigation for the FBI for many years and after his recent retirement he wrote this outstanding book. Check it out wherever you get your books! Links below. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Thirteen-Perfect-Fugitives/Geoffrey-Kelly/9798895653173. https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Perfect-Fugitives-Murder-Largest/dp/B0FDGTZJH9. Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com. The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound. Follow Crawlspace: IG: https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast. FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast. X: https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340. Follow Missing: IG: https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm. FB: https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM. X: https://twitter.com/MissingCSM. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447. Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Conservators wanted to return a set of chairs to the original upholstery chosen by the museum's founder. But all they had were some black-and-white photos.
In 1990, two men disguised as Boston police officers stole 13 priceless works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in what became the largest art heist in history, valued at over $1 billion.FBI Special Agent Geoffrey Kelly spent 28 years as one of the founding members of the FBI Art Crime Team, and in 2002 inherited this cold case.Rather than working it as a standard property crime, Kelly treated the missing paintings as fugitives, enlisting the media and public to help track them down.In his new book, 13 Perfect Fugitives, Kelly pulls back the curtain on the full investigation, separating fact from decades of myth and misinformation surrounding the case.Kelly also served as the real-life inspiration for Jon Hamm's FBI agent character in the film The Town, and currently teaches at Harvard Extension School alongside the Gardner Museum's security director.The paintings remain missing to this day, but Kelly believes they will be found.WEBSITEArgus Cultural Property Consultantshttps://arguscpc.comSOCIAL MEDIALinkedIn (Geoffrey Kelly)https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-kelly-7a18202b8/LinkedIn (Argus CPC)https://www.linkedin.com/company/argus-cultural-property-consultantsFacebook (Argus CPC)https://www.facebook.com/arguscpcBluesky (Argus CPC)https://bsky.app/profile/arguscpc.bsky.socialX/Twitter (Argus CPC)https://x.com/ArgusCPCBUY THE BOOK: THIRTEEN PERFECT FUGITIVESAmazonhttps://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FDGTZJH9Barnes and Noblehttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thirteen-perfect-fugitives-geoffrey-kelly/1147669547?ean=9798895653173Support The Dark Mind Podcasthttps://www.patreon.com/c/thedarkmindpodcast
Carlos Simon is the inaugural composer chair of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He's premiering a collection of music this weekend inspired by one of Boston's famous museums: The Isabella Stewart Gardner. He speaks with WBUR's All Things Considered about the collection, and his other upcoming BSO performances that celebrate the tradition of gospel music.
Anthony Amore, Art Theft Expert and Author of the Rembrandt Heist, joins Matt Cox to break down the infamous unsolved Gardner art heist, Myles Connor, and more! Go to https://buyraycon.com/ITCOpen to get 20% off sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring! Check out his book here - https://a.co/d/12SaGFk https://anthonyamore.substack.com https://x.com/anthonymamore Do you want to be a guest? Fill out the form https://www.insidetruecrimepodcast.com/apply-to-be-a-guest Get 10% sitewide for a limited time. Just visit https://GhostBed.com/cox and use code COX at checkout. Send me an email here: insidetruecrime@gmail.com Do you extra clips and behind the scenes content? Subscribe to my Patreon: https://patreon.com/InsideTrueCrime Check out my Dark Docs YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@DarkDocsMatthewCox Follow me on all socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matthewcoxtruecrime Do you want a custom painting done by me? Check out my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/coxpopart Listen to my True Crime Podcasts anywhere: https://anchor.fm/mattcox Check out my true crime books! Shark in the Housing Pool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KBYCF Bent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4GC7TM It's Insanity: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFYXKK8 Devil Exposed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TH1WT5G Devil Exposed (The Abridgment): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1070682438 The Program: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858W4G3K Bailout: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bailout-matthew-cox/1142275402 Dude, Where's My Hand-Grenade?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXNFHBDF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678623676&sr=1-1 Checkout my disturbingly twisted satiric novel! Stranger Danger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSWQP3WX If you would like to support me directly, I accept donations here: Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/MattCox69 Cashapp: $coxcon69 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step inside the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the eccentric American collector who refused to play by Boston's rules and built a museum that doubled as her personal artistic manifesto. They unpack Isabella's life as a patron and tastemaker, her bold curatorial choices, and the unconventional vision behind Fenway Court—a Venetian-inspired home filled with masterpieces, orchids, and her own unapologetic flair. The conversation then turns to one of the most infamous art heists in history. With empty frames still hanging on the walls as Isabella demanded, the Gardner Museum stands as both a tribute to her legacy and a reminder of the thirteen stolen works that have never been recovered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step inside the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the eccentric American collector who refused to play by Boston's rules and built a museum that doubled as her personal artistic manifesto. They unpack Isabella's life as a patron and tastemaker, her bold curatorial choices, and the unconventional vision behind Fenway Court—a Venetian-inspired home filled with masterpieces, orchids, and her own unapologetic flair. The conversation then turns to one of the most infamous art heists in history. With empty frames still hanging on the walls as Isabella demanded, the Gardner Museum stands as both a tribute to her legacy and a reminder of the thirteen stolen works that have never been recovered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former NY mayor, one-time presidential candidate Bill DeBlasio calls in to discuss the NYC mayor's race; he's endorsed MamdaniSports authority Trenni Casey discusses the NBA gambling indictmentsDr. Katherine Gergen Barnett and Dr. Lisa Fontes discuss domestic violence and prevention/awareness through the lens of public healthAnthony Amore, current director of security at the Gardner Museum, discusses the Louvre heist.The Wagner Foundation's Abigail Satinsky joins with Street Theory artist Ayana Mack and director Rob 'ProBlak' Gibbs to discuss a new partnership exhibit "From the Page to the Stage" in service of the Street Theory Collective's upcoming community hub for BIPOC artists in Cambridge
Carl Stevens
As the FBI's investigation of local Boston art thieves fades, its investigation of crews linked to the Italian mob ramps up. Agents begin to focus on the men who are associated with Carmello Merlino's gang. But the 1990s proves to be a deadly time to be involved with the Merlino crew, and suspects start dying. Eventually, the FBI declares partial victory and announces that it knows the identities of the thieves, but it does not know the location of the stolen items to this day. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage. For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com. Our social media pages are: @blackbarrelmedia on Facebook and Instagram, and @bbarrelmedia on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the first few years after the heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the FBI's investigation follows two parallel tracks. The first to produce possible leads is the Irish Connection as the FBI examines notorious art thief Myles Connor, infamous gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, and local conman Brian McDevitt. A few tantalizing leads develop, but they end in frustration. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage. For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com. Our social media pages are: @blackbarrelmedia on Facebook and Instagram, and @bbarrelmedia on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves, disguised as Boston police officers, gain access to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. They tie up the two security guards and spend 81 minutes stealing 13 items. When the heist is discovered hours later, the FBI begins an investigation which features far more baffling mysteries than clues. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage. For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com. Our social media pages are: @blackbarrelmedia on Facebook and Instagram, and @bbarrelmedia on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the 1970s and 1980s, Boston and the greater New England region seem plagued by art thieves. Myles Connor becomes the most notorious thief of the era, and he and others notice that the eclectic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a vulnerable target. The FBI likely thwarts an attempted robbery, and, as the 1980s progress, events start to align for the biggest art heist in history. Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage. For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com. Our social media pages are: @blackbarrelmedia on Facebook and Instagram, and @bbarrelmedia on Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On March 18, 1990, the biggest art heist in world history took place in Boston, Massachusetts. In this mini episode, I'll tell you all about the daring heist, the results of the heist, and even the fascinating origin of the museum that is now famous for all the wrong reasons.SOURCESDabilis, Andy, and John Ellement. “$200m Gardner Museum Art Theft.” The Boston Globe (Boston,Massachusetts), March 19, 1990. www.newspapers.com.Ellement, John. “$200 Million Art Theft in Boston.” The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts),March 19, 1990. www.newspapers.com.“Gardner Museum Theft.” Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Accessed February 6, 2025.https://www.gardnermuseum.org/organization/theft. History.com. “$500M ArtHeist STILL Unsolved After Decades | History's Greatest Mysteries.” YouTube. Accessed February 11, 2025.https://www.youtube.com/watch v=HRHR9kytC2Y&t=603s. “Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft.” Wikipedia, February 2, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Stewart_Gardner_Museum_theft. “Isabella Stewart Gardner.” Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Accessed February 6, 2025. https://www.gardnermuseum.org/about/isabella-stewart-gardner. “Isabella Stewart Gardner. Wikipedia, January 25, 2025.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Stewart_Gardner. “Mrs. Gardner's Will.” Transcript-Telegram (Holyoke, Massachusetts), July 22, 1924. www.newspapers.com.Risen, Clay. “Richard Abath, Guard at Center of Boston Art Museum Heist, Dies at 57.” The New York Times, February 29, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/us/richard-abath-dead.html. Taylor, Robert. “Theft at the Gardner Museum.” The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts), March 20, 1990. www.newspapers.com.“The Theft.” Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Accessed February 6, 2025.https://www.gardnermuseum.org/about/theft-story. SOUND SOURCESAl Jolson. “I'll Say She Does.” www.pixabay.com/music.Lucille Hegamin and The Dixie Daisies. “Cold Winter Blues.” www.pixabay.com/music.
This week, Laci welcomes Jake Halpern and Jess McHugh (Deep Cover Podcast) to discuss Boston's 1990 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist. Several works of art worth half a billion dollars were stolen, making it the biggest property crime in U.S. history, and it's still unsolved, with the art still missing. There's a $10 million reward on the table for any information leading directly to its safe return. Plus, Laci, Jake and Jess dig into Sarah Cavanaugh, who was convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, forgery, and fraudulent use of military medals, after pretending to be a wounded veteran to steal more than a quarter‑million dollars meant for real veterans. Stay schemin'!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess book? Look no more, nab your copy on PODSWAG Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com.CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu! Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciJake Halpern: @jake.halpern.authorJess McHugh: @jessmchugh3 Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCEShttps://people.com/gardner-heist-boston-lead-investigator-hopeful-11696747https://www.gardnermuseum.org/organization/thefthttps://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-heisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPaAsvFU9IoNetflix: This Is A Robbery docuseries Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
In March of 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from the Gardner Museum in Boston by two men posing as police officers. The priceless paintings were never recovered, so Carly travels back in time to learn about the heist and why Art is so valuable. Listen along with a worksheet at https://bit.ly/40shOGs. Originally aired 5/17/23.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textThis week, Andrea and Eric return to Hartley Castle for their review of Emma Fielding Mysteries: Past Malice, and this time—it's personal (and possibly cursed). From improved character chemistry to surprise villain reveals, they break down why this second film in the Emma Fielding series is a big step up from the first.They discuss Courtney Thorne-Smith's stronger performance, the castle setting that won Andrea's heart, and the unexpected killer reveal that had them both rethinking what they thought they knew about Kimberly Sustad. Plus, they chat about FBI divisions that may or may not exist, awkward crawl spaces, and the joy of a good old-fashioned Hallmark-style chase scene.
Biljetter till AVSKEDSTURNÉN: mordmotmord.seKarin berättar om Tiktok-influencern Mahek Bukhari och hennes mamma Ansreens, och om dubbelmordet på Saqib Hussain och Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin som de sitter på livstids fängelse för. Anna berättar om jättestölden på konstmuseet Gardner Museum.
THIS EPISODE BROUGHT TO YOU BY: You'll notice that there's no sponsor in this episode. We'd love it if you'd consider supporting on Patreon. PATREON - patreon.com/nodumbquestions NDQ EMAIL LIST - https://www.nodumbquestions.fm/email-list STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: Inklings Book Club Lester Del Rey The Runaway Robot by Lester Del Rey Trap Door Spiders book club Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart by Russ Ramsey Vincent Van Gogh The Art Thieves by Rooktown Salvador Dalí - The Persistence of Memory Dalí Museum The Banjo Lesson by Henry Ossawa Tanner John J. Audubon's Birds of America Haystacks by Claude Monet The Voyage of Life by Thomas Cole Nighthawks by Edward Hopper The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt Andy Goldsworthy M.C. Escher CONNECT WITH NO DUMB QUESTIONS: Support No Dumb Questions on Patreon if that sounds good to you Discuss this episode here NDQ Subreddit Our podcast YouTube channel Our website is nodumbquestions.fm No Dumb Questions Twitter Matt's Twitter Destin's Twitter SUBSCRIBE LINKS: Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Android OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS ARE ALSO FUN: Matt's YouTube Channel (The Ten Minute Bible Hour) Destin's YouTube Channel (Smarter Every Day)
In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two men dressed as police officers entered Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and walked out with over $500 million worth of art. The crime scene was bizarre. The guards were found tied up in the basement. The stolen pieces included masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, and others—none of which have ever been recovered.In part one of this two-part series, Joel and Steph dive into the events of that night, exploring how the theft unfolded, what was taken, and why this remains the most valuable art heist in modern history. They explore the strange choices made by the thieves, the details left behind, and the early theories that gripped the public and baffled investigators.Come follow us on all the apps@framedthepod@joeldavid_b@cheersthanxalotWant to watch the episode? Come on over to YouTube to see the chaos: https://www.youtube.com/@Framedthepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, the hosts return after a two-year hiatus and discuss the evolution of their podcast from its inception. They reminisce about their history, including how they met through Twitter in 2010, and the events that led them to start the podcast. The episode outlines their plans for the new season, including shorter, more relaxed episodes and incorporating a new mailbag segment. The hosts share their plans to cover organized crime history, and tease future topics such as mob activities leading up to the Gardner Museum heist. Wikitree Catalog Patriarca Crime FamilyMassachusetts Murder VictimsRhode Island Murder Victims
In 1990 thieves disguised as police stole 13 artworks from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Their empty frames have been restored and remain as stark reminders of the unsolved art heist.
In 1990, on Saint Patrick's Day, two thieves posing as police officers pulled off the biggest art heist in history, stealing 13 priceless works from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Decades later, the crime remains unsolved. Who took the art, and where is it now?We're telling this story tonight.
International Arrivals speaks with ceramic artist and NYU professor, Linda Sormin (Thailand, Indonesia, China, Canada, USA) (https://www.lindasormin.com/) who discusses her journey from Bangkok to New York, her diasporic heritage, and her work exploring themes of upheaval, migration, and identity. She reflects on her family's history, along with the erasure of Batak language and knowledge. Sormin's art, which includes large-scale, site-responsive installations, incorporates found objects and traditional ceramic techniques as well as video and VR. Sormin also explores the physicality of clay as a decolonizing practice and the interplay between language, artistic production, and personal narrative. Her upcoming solo show at the Gardner Museum in 2025 will further explore these themes.
On March 18, 1990, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston suffered one of the greatest art thefts in history. Even though only 13 pieces of art were stolen, the combined value was worth over $500 million….practically priceless. One was a Rembrandt seascape known as The Storm Over the Sea of Galilee, oh its just the ONLY SEASCAPE REMBRANDT EVER DID! Sorry for yelling... they also took another piece called The Concert , by Vermeer. It's the only missing Vermeer in the world. The Rembrandt and the Vermeer alone were valued at the time at over $200 million....basically what we're saying is this was a big heist; the largest personal property heist in the world....so far ;) Check out our other shows!: Cryptic Soup w/ Thena & Kylee Strange & Unexplained True Crime Guys YouTube EVERYTHING TRUE CRIME GUYS: https://linktr.ee/Truecrimeguysproductions True Crime Guys Music: True Crime Guys Music on Spotify OhMyGaia.com Code: Creepvan Patreon.com/truecrimeguys Patreon.com/sandupodcast Merch: truecrimeguys.threadless.com Sources: New England's Unsolved: The Gardner heist 30 years later $500M Art Heist STILL Unsolved After Decades | History's Greatest Mysteries (Season 4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxQXxKSWKQ
We're back with part 2 of our look into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist! In this episode, we follow the twists and turns of the investigation and discuss why someone would want to steal art in the first place. There is a never ending list of suspects, each one as promising as the last, so join us to see if we can solve the mystery. Sponsors: Quince Go to quince.com/creepers for free shipping and 365-day returns! Hello Fresh Get 10 FREE meals at Hellofresh.com/creepers!! Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Alloy Health Go to Myalloy.com to start your consult with a menopause trained expert today! Use Promo Code CREEPERS to get $20 off your first order!! Pretty Litter Go to prettylitter.com/Creepers to save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy!! Silver Linings Handbook - subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Sources: Gardner Museum Theft Remains Art World's Biggest Mystery | Bloomberg Surveillance video raises questions — and possible clues — in 25-year-old museum mystery - The Washington Post Isabella Stewart Gardner Heist: 25 Years of Theories - The New York Times Help solve the mystery of the Gardner art heist – Boston Herald Episode 2: 'Inside Job?' | Last Seen Episode 3: 'Not A Bunch Of Jamokes' | Last Seen Episode 4: 'Two Bad Men' | Last Seen Episode 5: 'The Bobbys' | Last Seen Episode 6: 'Befriend And Betray' | Last Seen Episode 7: 'I Was The One' | Last Seen F.B.I. Releases Sketches Of Art Thieves in Boston - The New York Times Isabella Stewart Gardner art heist happened 34 years ago, FBI still receiving tips - CBS Boston Was anyone watching the Gardner Museum watchman? Passing on the parade? Here are 4 other ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Greater Boston | WBUR News Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft - Wikipedia The Theft | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Evidence in Gardner Museum thefts that might bear DNA is missing Richard Abath, security guard tied up during Gardner Museum art heist, dies at 57 - CBS Boston Netflix: This is a Robbery Book: Master Thieves: The Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the World's Greatest Art Heist by Stephen Kurkjian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist is one of the most baffling art thefts in history! In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two men dressed as cops waltzed into Boston's famous museum, tied up the guards, and made off with 13 pieces of priceless art. Decades later, the frames still hang empty, waiting for the masterpieces to return. The case has never been solved and the missing works—worth over half a billion dollars—are still out there somewhere. Sponsors: Quince Go to quince.com/creepers for free shipping and 365-day returns! Hello Fresh Get 10 FREE meals at Hellofresh.com/creepers!! Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Alloy Health Go to Myalloy.com to start your consult with a menopause trained expert today! Use Promo Code CREEPERS to get $20 off your first order!! Pretty Litter Go to prettylitter.com/Creepers to save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy!! Silver Linings Handbook - subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Sources: Gardner Museum Theft Remains Art World's Biggest Mystery | Bloomberg Surveillance video raises questions — and possible clues — in 25-year-old museum mystery - The Washington Post Isabella Stewart Gardner Heist: 25 Years of Theories - The New York Times Help solve the mystery of the Gardner art heist – Boston Herald Episode 2: 'Inside Job?' | Last Seen Episode 3: 'Not A Bunch Of Jamokes' | Last Seen Episode 4: 'Two Bad Men' | Last Seen Episode 5: 'The Bobbys' | Last Seen Episode 6: 'Befriend And Betray' | Last Seen Episode 7: 'I Was The One' | Last Seen F.B.I. Releases Sketches Of Art Thieves in Boston - The New York Times Isabella Stewart Gardner art heist happened 34 years ago, FBI still receiving tips - CBS Boston Was anyone watching the Gardner Museum watchman? Passing on the parade? Here are 4 other ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Greater Boston | WBUR News Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft - Wikipedia The Theft | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Evidence in Gardner Museum thefts that might bear DNA is missing Richard Abath, security guard tied up during Gardner Museum art heist, dies at 57 - CBS Boston Netflix: This is a Robbery Book: Master Thieves: The Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the World's Greatest Art Heist by Stephen Kurkjian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the 31st episode of "Reading the Art World," host Megan Fox Kelly speaks with Diana Seave Greenwald, curator of the exhibition “Manet: A Model Family” at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and editor of the associated catalogue, published by Princeton University Press.The exhibition and book offer a fascinating look at the personal life and family relationships that shaped one of art history's most influential painters. Greenwald, Curator of the Collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, reveals how Édouard Manet's complex family dynamics — including his relationship with his mother, his marriage to his brothers' piano teacher, and his role as godfather to her son — influenced his artistic development and provided him with willing models for his groundbreaking works.Through contributions from multiple scholars, the book challenges traditional narratives about the artist, exploring how family support, both emotional and financial, enabled his artistic innovations. This thoughtful conversation coincides with the Gardner Museum's exhibition of the same name, offering listeners insight into how biographical research can deepen our understanding of great artists and their work. Whether you're an art history enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of family life and artistic creation, this episode provides a fresh perspective on one of modernism's pivotal figures.“Manet: A Model Family” is on view at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum through January 20, 2025. Learn more here: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/manet-model-family.ABOUT DIANA SEAVE GREENWALDDiana Seave Greenwald is an art historian and economic historian. An expert in 19th century American and French art, she is currently William & Lia Poorvu curator of the collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Prior to joining the Gardner, Diana was an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., working in the departments of American and British Paintings and Modern Prints and Drawings. She received a D.Phil. in History from the University of Oxford. Before doctoral study, Diana earned an M.Phil. in Economic and Social History from Oxford and a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Columbia University.PURCHASE THE BOOK:https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691260662/manetSUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW AND HEAR INTERVIEWS:For more information, visit meganfoxkelly.com, hear our past interviews, and subscribe at the bottom of our Of Interest page for new posts.Follow us on Instagram: @meganfoxkellyMusic by Bob Golden
In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, as several Bostonians were still celebrating St. Patrick's Day, two men easily conned their way into the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, and proceeded to steal 13 priceless works of art. This week, Hannah tells Katy about the infamous (unsolved) Gardner Museum Heist, the stolen works, and the authorities' fruitless search for the thieves. The girls talk a little art history, organized crime, overcoming grief, black market art sales, and more! The pictures of the art alone are reason enough to listen, but we think you'll also enjoy the twists and turns of this modern heist that stumped the FBI.So pour your drinks, and join us for this Unsolved Mystery!And be sure to check out some of the modern artists we mention: @egbertmodderman, @kehindewiley, and @stevelove.studiosSources: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/03/0211Boston-Heist-FINAL-2.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabella_Stewart_Gardner_Museum_theft#Robberyhttps://www.vanityfair.com/culture/1998/03/biggest-art-heist-us-historyhttps://www.gardnermuseum.org/about/thefthttps://www.cnn.com/2024/05/19/style/isabella-gardner-heist-facts/index.htmlSupport the Show.Follow us @thetaleswetellpodcast on Facebook and Instagram, or thetaleswetellpodcast.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/thetaleswetellpodcast?Click here for merch!
In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams engages in a compelling discussion with Stephen Kurkjian about the evolving landscape of journalism, the resurgence of unionism, and the enduring mystery of the Gardner Museum art heist. Prepare for an insightful conversation that delves into the intricacies of journalistic integrity, First Amendment responsibilities, and the transformative power of art. Stephen is a highly respected investigative journalist, best known for his extensive career at the Boston Globe where he was a founding member of the Spotlight Team. With a career spanning several decades, he's won three Pulitzer Prizes and became an authority on investigative journalism, contributing significantly to the field through his in-depth reporting and dedication to uncovering the truth. One of the most notable investigations he continues to pursue is the Gardner Museum art heist, a case that has intrigued and baffled the world for over three decades. Stephen's journey in journalism began with a college newspaper where he loved the interactions he had with people, who were for that moment in time, at the pinnacle of their lives. From his experience in journalism, other relevant and significant topics are covered, such as: The evolution of journalism and splintering of media: The changes and challenges the field has seen over the years. Journalistic integrity: The responsibilities of journalists, the value of their integrity and reputation. The power of art: The transformative and transcendent qualities of art and its impact on individuals and communities. Don't miss this episode where you'll discover valuable lessons on journalism, the power of art, and the enduring pursuit of truth. Connect with Stephen Kurkjian: Website Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A true crime podcast, part 2! What role did Myles Connor play in the Gardner Museum art heist? How did the mafia and organized crime steal so much artwork, and then how did they make it disappear? We meet more suspects in the Gardner Museum heist. Search for missing Rembrandt paintings. Hear the perspective of Boston Herald journalist Tom Mashberg. We chase leads and go down rabbit holes and yet are still left wondering - how to hide a painting.
Discover the fascinating life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a trailblazing art collector and socialite who left an indelible mark on Boston's cultural landscape. This episode delves into Gardner's journey from New York socialite to renowned art patron, her creation of the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the shocking 1990 heist that rocked the art world. Learn how Gardner's unconventional personality and passion for art shaped her legacy, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the largest unsolved art theft in history. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by untold stories of influential figures. Don't miss this captivating tale of wealth, culture, and intrigue in early 20th century America. Like, subscribe, and explore more episodes of bite-sized biographies that bring forgotten legends to life. Gardner Museum security guard, Rick AbathMyles Connor, later in life.William Youngworth III, Late 90's.Robert "Bobby" Donati, as a young manIsabella Stewart Gardner, 1907Gardner Museum, 1920Robert GentileRyan McGuiganOne of the three searches of Robert Gentile's propertyRecent photo of the original Gardner buildingRecent photo of Gardner 2012 addition.Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1922, by John Singer SargentGardner Family Mausoleum, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA
Oh boy, here is our Spy thriller episode... Director: Matt Rukstar Produced by: Raving Lunatic Media Hosts: Matt Rukstar Renee Morin Voice Talent: J Charles Weimer Hayden Minns Written by: Jon DeBenedict Matt Rukstar Researched by: Jon DeBenedict Music: Possesions- purple-planet.com Art: Panini Discord: https://discord.gg/C8sc5qSD Cold Case Chase is a product of Raving Lunatic Media LLC --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cold-case-chase/support
This week's state is Massachusetts! We're talking about a theft that took 13 works of art from this museum, join us as we go over the details of this on-going case!
Looking for things to do this weekend? We have quite the lineup for you: First, GBH's Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen has a round up of art shows, including 'Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West' at the Gardner Museum and 'Wu Tsang: Of Whales' at the ICA. Plus: Mike Deehan of Axios Boston joins Paris to talk about 1990s-themed events going on this weekend.
In 1991 a man was found dead in the trunk of his car. He'd been brutally slain, and despite obvious foul play, leads were hard to come by — until his name began popping up in another investigation. One that was unraveling the threads of an art heist unlike anything the world had ever seen before. This episode originally aired on Cold Cases in October 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In March of 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from the Gardner Museum in Boston by two men posing as police officers. The priceless paintings were never recovered, so Carly travels back in time to learn about the heist and why Art is so valuable. Listen along with a worksheet at https://bit.ly/40shOGs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to Crawlspace. In this episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna welcome back Eric Ulis & Stephanie Rabinowitz. Eric is a passionate investigator who will go to the ends of the earth if it meant obtaining answers to the greatest crimes in history. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist is one that he's fixed his sights on and along the way, he teamed with Stephanie - a woman who might hold the key to the perpetrator's identity. Their investigation recently took them to the former home - specifically the recesses of a large stone fireplace - of a man Stephanie dated at the time of the heist. Brian McDevitt was his name and he is considered one of the most realistic persons of interest in the crime. In this episode, they reveal their findings. Stay up to date with Eric's adventures: https://ericulis.com/ Follow Eric: Twitter - https://twitter.com/ericulis Instagram - https://instagram.com/official.eric.ulis YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewfNi-lPOshvd9t55NXbbA/ Check out Stephanie's art and photography: https://srabinowitz.smugmug.com/ Follow Stephanie: Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/StephanieRabinowitzPhoto Twitter - https://twitter.com/iStefunny Tim and Lance have extensively covered the Gardner Heist and other art crimes on their show Empty Frames! Listen to all the episodes including the early ones with Eric Ulis here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empty-frames/id1339744456 We love our Air Doctors! And if you want your air to be easier to breathe, head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code CRAWLSPACE and, depending on the model, you'll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh which mean you get a deal! Go to HelloFresh.com/crawlspace50 and use code crawlspace50 for 50% off, plus your first box ships free! Check out our Subscription Service where we have a bundled our bonus material from both the Missing and Crawlspace shows! Ad-free episodes and more at https://missing.supportingcast.fm/ Use promo code, "Missing" for your first month FREE! This episode is also sponsored by Morgan & Morgan! If you're ever injured, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. Their fee is free unless they win. For more information go to ForThePeople.com/CRAWLSPACE. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/ Join the Crawlspace Discussion Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/talkcrawlspace/ Crawlspace Media is part of the Glassbox Media Network. Check them out here: https://glassboxmedia.com/ Follow Private Investigations For the Missing https://investigationsforthemissing.org/ http://piftm.org/donate https://twitter.com/PIFortheMissing https://www.facebook.com/PIFortheMissing/ https://www.instagram.com/investigationsforthemissing/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On March 18th, 1990 two men disguised as Boston police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and overpowered the two security guards on duty. In just 81 minutes, the thieves stole over $600 MILLION worth of historic art. Valued at over $200 million at the time. The Gardner Museum heist remains the biggest art theft in the world - and the biggest private property theft in US history if not in the history of world. Thirty-three years later, the case still remains unsolved. So who stole thirteen very valuable works of art? Where are they now? All of this and so much more in a unique, true crime edition of Timesuck. Want to apply for the Cummins Family Scholarship fund? The application process opens on MARCH 6TH, 2023. To apply click this link!: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/cummins/ Click the "Scholarship Hub America" button. Register to create a Hub account with a unique username and password.Log into your account and complete the questions in the profile section. The list of scholarships will display on the website. Locate the Cummins Family Scholarship Fund application and click the “Apply Now” link to fill out your information! An online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with their recommender to ensure they submit the information before the deadline. Next start filling out the application by completing all required fields and click the “Save answers” button. If all required data was entered, the Application section in the progress bar at the top of the page will turn green. An error message will display at the top of the page if any fields are missing or have incomplete information. Click the “Next” button at the top of the page and use the Add a Document tool available to upload your documents. Once all documents have been uploaded, click the “Next” button again to review your information before submitting your application. If all information appears correct, click the “Lock and Submit” button and click “OK” to submit your data to Scholarship America for processing. You will receive an email confirmation once the application has been successfully submitted. If you don't receive the email confirmation, please check your spam or junk mail folder or search for an email from studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org to confirm your application has been received. Questions can be emailed to cummins@scholarshipamerica.orgWet Hot Bad Magic Summer Camps are ON SALE! BadMagicMerch.com Bad Magic Productions Monthly Patreon Donation: This month's donation is for $14,740 to Teach For America, a diverse network of leaders who work to confront the injustice of education inequity through teaching.You can learn more about Teach for America or get involved by going to teachforamerica.org An additional $1,640 is being put into the scholarship fund! Thank you to all of our patrons who are able to continue to support not only us but these amazing causes. Teachforamerica.orgGet tour tickets at dancummins.tv Watch the Suck on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GsrbsqnlZu4Merch: https://www.badmagicmerch.comDiscord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89vWant to join the Cult of the Curious private Facebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" in order to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :)For all merch related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste)Please rate and subscribe on iTunes and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcastWanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcastSign up through Patreon and for $5 a month you get to listen to the Secret Suck, which will drop Thursdays at Noon, PST. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch. You get to vote on two Monday topics each month via the app. And you get the download link for my new comedy album, Feel the Heat. Check the Patreon posts to find out how to download the new album and take advantage of other benefits.
Stephen Kurkjian covers what happened the night the Gardner Museum Was Robbed. In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, thirteen works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a precious art collection once owned by the infamous art collector after whom the museum was named. That collection has likely sparked nefarious thoughts in many visitors dreaming of the potential wealth hanging on those walls. Two robbers, dressed as policemen, realized those dreams on March 18th, 1990. Today the FBI estimates their haul to be valued at $600 Million. The immense value made it the most valuable art heist until the Dresden Green Vault Burglary surpassed it in 2019. Whatsmore, the thieves were never found. The Gardner Museum Heist truly is one of the most amazing art heists in history. Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning, and laughing a whole lot while you do, then you'll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode today! Become a Patron and Get Early Access to Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.com/tillnpodcast Episode Link: https://tilln.com/536ad Want to Support TILLN: https://linktr.ee/tillnpodcast Text TILLN to 66866 to become a patron and gain access to ad-free episodes, the exclusive discord, and earn discounts on TILLN Merch. Advertise with us: https://bit.ly/3FdZirY
In 1990, a museum was robbed of 13 works of art. The heist remains unsolved but the determination to find the culprit is still in full force, even after 31 years. The Museum, the FBI, and the US Attorney's office are still searching for leads that could bring the art home safely and expose the thief. Today, let's discuss the investigation following the largest art theft of all time: the Gardner Museum Theft. Visit our Twitter page (http://Twitter.com/RedWebPod) to see the images we discuss. Sponsored by Raycon (http://buyraycon.com/redweb).
The FBI's investigation led them to some of Boston's most notorious criminals, but for ten years, promising leads continued to fizzle out. Was the mafia ever really involved? Or was the heist of the century actually an inside job? In 2000, a world-famous art detective entered the scene. Could he finally achieve what the FBI could not? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In March 1990 two men pretending to be police officers stole 13 pieces of art worth over $200 million from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Then they vanished. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A 1990 art heist remains unsolved and the art unrecovered, or has it?More Ghost Town: https://youtu.be/JXm3r2-YZ14Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/ghosttownpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghosttownpodSources: https://bit.ly/3KlbQ2q Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A 1990 art heist remains unsolved and the art unrecovered, or has it? More Ghost Town: https://youtu.be/JXm3r2-YZ14 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/ghosttownpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghosttownpod Sources: https://bit.ly/3KlbQ2q Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, thirteen works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. Guards admitted two men posing as police officers responding to a disturbance call. The thieves tied the guards up and looted the museum over the next hour. The case is unsolved; no arrests have been made and no works have been recovered. The FBI has valued the haul at $500 million, and the museum is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the art's recovery, the largest bounty ever offered by a private institution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices