Parma, Mar 30: A high-value art theft has shaken Italy’s cultural landscape after three renowned paintings were stolen in a rapid, well-coordinated heist at a private museum near Parma.
According to investigators, four masked men broke into the Magnani Rocca Foundation villa on the night of 22 March, executing the operation in just three minutes. The group forced entry through the main door and headed directly to the French Room, where they removed carefully selected artworks before fleeing the premises.
The stolen pieces include Les Poissons by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Still Life with Cherries by Paul Cézanne, and Odalisque on the Terrace by Henri Matisse—works collectively valued at around €9 million. Renoir’s painting alone is estimated to be worth €6 million.
Authorities believe the suspects acted with precision and prior planning. “The gang appeared structured and organised,” officials noted, adding that the museum’s alarm system likely prevented further losses. The intruders reportedly escaped by scaling a perimeter fence shortly after the alarm was triggered.
Italy’s Carabinieri, along with the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, have launched an investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage from both the museum and surrounding areas.
The Magnani Rocca Foundation, established by art collector Luigi Magnani, houses an important private collection and is known for its holdings of European masters. The incident marks one of the most significant art thefts in Italy in recent years and comes amid growing concerns over the security of high-value artworks across Europe, following a recent robbery at the Louvre.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the stolen masterpieces.
