Ancient Treasure Targeted in Explosive Heist at Dutch Museum

Fri Dec 12 2025 01:23:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Drents Museum in the Netherlands experiences a major break-in, resulting in the theft of priceless artifacts including the golden helmet of Cotofenesti.

The Drents Museum suffered a brazen robbery involving an explosion, leading to the theft of significant cultural artifacts, raising alarms about the security of historical treasures.

In a shocking incident early Saturday morning, the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, was the target of a well-orchestrated heist that left authorities and cultural custodians reeling. Footage revealed three masked individuals using explosives to breach the museum's heavy access door, marking a significant escalation in art thefts.

The police confirmed that among the stolen items was the coveted golden helmet of Cotofenesti, along with other valuable artifacts like three intricately designed golden bracelets. The historical helmet, weighing over two pounds, dates back to the fifth century B.C., originating from the ancient Dacian civilization, which flourished in parts of modern Romania and the Balkans.

Harry Tupan, director of the Drents Museum, expressed the deep consternation felt within the institution and the broader cultural community: “We are intensely shocked by the events last night at the museum. In its 170-year existence, there has never been such a major incident.” This particularly severe theft struck not only the museum but also the National History Museum of Romania, which had loaned the artifacts for a special exhibition that commenced in July 2024.

Both the helmet and the golden bracelets were key highlights of the exhibit, celebrated for their historical significance and intricate craftsmanship, making their loss a cultural tragedy. Romanian officials have gone so far as to describe the value of the items as “incalculable,” underscoring the emotional investment tied to these cultural treasures.

In light of this incident, Dutch authorities are exploring possible links to a car fire reported nearby, theorizing that the assailants used it as a diversionary tactic during their escape. This robbery mirrors a recent trend of escalating art thefts in the region; a similar event occurred in November at a gallery in Amsterdam, where thieves gained entry by detonating a bomb.

As investigations progress, the art community remains on high alert, reminding us of the fragility of cultural heritage in the face of crime.