BOSTON – Saturday, the 33rd birthday of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the museum announced that it would be closing for the day.
However, according to the museum, the closure had nothing to do with the anniversary but was linked to a protest that museum authorities feared could damage the artwork.
“We have been informed that climate activists have planned a protest inside our museum which could put our community and our artworks at risk. After careful consideration and a great deal of caution for visitors, staff and the works of art in the museum, we have decided to close,” the museum said. in a report.
“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 by Norma Jean Calderwood. “While our mission is to uphold Isabella’s values, we do not support this type of tactic which targets art institutions and could potentially endanger the Museum’s collection, staff and visitors.”
It was a bad time for a family that was vacationing in Louisiana and excited to see the museum.
“We’re from New Orleans,” Jessica DeFraites said. “I mean, I took a 30-minute train to get here.”
All those who purchased tickets in advance will be refunded. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our visitors, our 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.
“I’ve been trying to see this museum for a while, but will have to give it a try next time,” said Vermont visitor Nadie Vanzandt.
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’s 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 at at least $500 million. The empty frames remain in the museum.
“I’ve been coming every year on March 18 for the past eight or nine years to look at the empty frames,” visitor Michelle Dixon said.
The museum is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the return of stolen works.