Four Antonello da Messina works stolen from Sicilian museum during Assumption Day festivities

Thieves smashed display cases at the Museo Regionale di Messina on 15 August 2026, stealing four works by Renaissance painter Antonello da Messina as the city held its Assumption Day Vara procession. Five panels from the 1473 Polittico di San Gregorio altarpiece were taken; two were abandoned outside. A double-sided Virgin and Child painting was also seized. Culture minister Alessandro Giuli expressed "dismay and regret."