ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Archaeologist defends museum exhibitions after theft of treasure in Châtillon-sur-Seine

opinion-review · 2026-07-28

A theft at the Musée de Châtillon-sur-Seine in Côte-d'Or on July 24 has raised concerns about heritage protection. Archaeologist Anne Lehoërff argues in a Le Monde op-ed that such a 'crime against knowledge' should not deter museums from displaying masterpieces, as it is not for criminals to decide what citizens have the right to admire.

Key facts

  • Theft occurred on July 24 at Musée de Châtillon-sur-Seine, Côte-d'Or
  • A treasure was stolen
  • Anne Lehoërff, an archaeologist, wrote a tribune in Le Monde
  • Lehoërff calls the theft a 'crime against knowledge'
  • She argues that museums should continue exhibiting such works despite risks

Entities

Artists

  • Anne Lehoërff

Institutions

  • Musée de Châtillon-sur-Seine
  • Le Monde

Locations

  • Châtillon-sur-Seine
  • Côte-d'Or
  • France

Sources