Andy Warhol Silkscreens Stolen and Damaged in Explosive Netherlands Art Heist: ‘Bomb Attack’

Warhol Art Found Ripped and Torn Along with Damaged Frames at Kunstmuseum

Thieves used explosives to break into the Kunstmuseum in Rotterdam and steal Andy Warhol 'Mao' silkscreens

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Two iconic Andy Warhol silkscreens were stolen and damaged in an explosive heist at a Dutch museum early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

The silkscreens, both depicting the iconic face of communist revolutionary Mao Zedong, were among the most valuable pieces in the Kunstmuseum's collection. The museum has confirmed that one of the stolen artworks was created in 1973 and the other in 1974, both hailing from Warhol's iconic "Mao" series.

Police said the thieves used explosives to break into the museum at around 3:30 a.m. and made off with the silkscreens, which are estimated to be worth around $50 million.

The museum's director, Wim Pijbes, said the thieves also damaged other artworks in the museum, including a painting by Vincent van Gogh. The frames of the two Warhol silkscreens were found ripped and torn and there was some damage to the artworks themselves. The Van Gogh painting itself remains intact but its frame now has “two big holes” in it.”

The theft is the latest in a series of high-profile art heists in recent years. In 2003, a group of thieves stole a painting by Edvard Munch from the Munch Museum in Oslo. The painting, "The Scream," was later recovered.

Police are investigating the theft and are asking for the public's help in finding the thieves.

The museum is closed until further notice while police investigate the theft.