The crime occurred late in the evening on August 15, when the city was filled with people celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was at this time that the criminals managed to break into the museum and reach the works of art, despite the active security system. According to museum director Marisa Mercurio, the theft took place shortly before 10:00 PM. At that moment, security was present in the building, and the alarm and other security systems were activated. How the criminals managed to bypass the protection will be determined by the investigation. The main target of the robbers was the famous San Gregorio polyptych, created by Antonello da Messina in 1473. This is one of the most significant works of the artist and an especially important piece for his hometown. The criminals removed all five surviving parts of the polyptych from the frame. However, they were not able to take everything: they left two panels behind during their escape. As a result, three parts of the work are missing. Additionally, a small double-sided work by Antonello da Messina depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ was stolen from a bulletproof display case. Thus, the criminals made off with four works of art. The historical value of the San Gregorio polyptych is particularly great. The piece was created for a local monastery and remained in Messina for centuries. It survived the devastating earthquake of 1908 that nearly destroyed the city. For Messina, what happened was not just a museum theft. Antonello da Messina was born in this city and is considered one of the key figures in European painting of the 15th century. The museum director called the stolen works a vital part of the region's cultural identity and admitted that the staff is shaken by the incident. Art expert Alberto Fitz estimated the value of the stolen items at approximately 70–80 million euros. At the same time, determining the real value of these works is nearly impossible: they are pieces of exceptional historical and cultural significance that are almost impossible to sell legally on the open art market. After the robbery, the museum was closed for investigative actions. Law enforcement is determining who was behind the meticulously planned theft and where the masterpieces could have been taken. Italian cultural and local authorities have already called the incident a severe blow to national heritage. Now, the main task for investigators is to find the stolen works before they disappear into the underground world of art trade.
