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2,500-year-old Celtic treasure stolen from French museum

Published July 28, 2026 at 4:32 PM UTC

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A 2,500-year-old Celtic treasure has been stolen from a museum in eastern France, marking the latest in a string of high-profile art heists in the country. The theft occurred overnight at the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology in Besançon, where the gold and silver artifacts were on display. The treasure, known as the 'Treasure of the Celts,' includes intricate jewelry and ceremonial objects that date back to the Hallstatt period. It is considered one of the most important collections of Celtic art in Europe. The museum director said the loss is 'incalculable' and called for a swift investigation. Police have launched a manhunt, but no arrests have been made. The theft has raised concerns about security at French museums, which have been targeted repeatedly in recent years. In 2010, five paintings worth €100 million were stolen from the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. The Besançon museum has now closed to the public as authorities review security protocols. Experts say the stolen items are too rare to be sold openly and may be melted down for their precious metals. The incident has sparked a debate about whether France is doing enough to protect its cultural heritage. The government has pledged to strengthen museum security, but critics say more must be done to prevent future thefts.