September 9, 2026
A major art theft has taken place at the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer in southern France, dedicated to renowned Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Two suspects cut through the fence surrounding the museum grounds and stole four artworks valued at around €9 million. Police arrived just five minutes after the alarm was triggered but were unable to catch the thieves.
They cut through the fence to enter the museum
According to Cagnes-sur-Mer Mayor Bryan Masson, the museum alarm went off at 5:48 a.m.
The suspects, reportedly carrying a knife and a hacksaw, cut a hole in the perimeter fence before entering the museum and taking four artworks. Police arrived at the scene at 5:53 a.m. and pursued the suspects.
Two paintings found in the museum garden
Following the escape, two of the stolen works were recovered in the museum garden. A search is underway for the suspects, who managed to flee with the other two paintings.
No details have been released about which works were stolen. The four pieces were estimated by the municipality to be worth around €9 million, or approximately $10 million in total.
“An attack on our history and heritage”
Mayor Masson condemned the theft, saying, “Attacking the Renoir Museum means attacking a part of the history and heritage of Cagnes-sur-Mer.”
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Renoir’s final home was turned into a museum
The Renoir Museum opened in 1960 in the house where the painter spent the final years of his life before his death in 1919.
Its collection includes Renoir’s paintings as well as personal belongings, furniture, his easel and wheelchair.
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