Two men broke into the Doesburg Silver Museum in the Netherlands at around 4.30am. They forced open a door using tools. After that, they smashed display cases and removed more than 300 silver objects. Museum officials confirmed that the thieves took the entire collection.

As a result, the museum suffered a complete loss of its displayed silver artefacts. Staff later discovered the damage when they arrived at the site.

🏛️ Museum Location and Background

The museum sits inside the 13th-century Martini Church in the historic town of Doesburg. It opened in 2021 and focused entirely on silver objects. Over time, the collection grew into a unique display of historical silverware.

Moreover, the museum attracted visitors interested in craftsmanship and local heritage. The building itself also forms part of the town’s cultural identity.

🪙 Items Taken During the Theft

The thieves removed every silver object on display. These items included:

• Historic silverware from multiple time periods
• A large group of mustard pots collected by founder Martin de Kleijn
• Other crafted silver objects valued for design and history

In total, the material value reached tens of thousands of euros. However, museum officials stressed that cultural value mattered far more than metal prices.

🗣️ Museum Leadership Responds

Museum chairman Ernst Boesveld said the loss goes beyond financial damage.

“The silver price is high, but for us it is far more than the silver price,” he said.

He added that each object tells a story. Therefore, staff feel enormously disappointed and angry after the theft.

🧠 Historical Details of the Collection

Board member Sietske Annevelink-Schurer explained that many pieces dated from 1700 to 1920. Wealthy households once used these objects during formal meals. In addition, many mustard pots contained glass or ceramic inserts to prevent corrosion.

As a result, the collection showed both artistic skill and practical design.

🧾 Unique Objects Among the Stolen Items

One notable piece included a mustard pot and spoon created by silversmith Marcel Blok. These items displayed the arms of the city of Doesburg. Boesveld described Doesburg as a traditional mustard town with strong historical links.

Consequently, the stolen items held strong local significance.

📈 Rising Metal Theft in the Netherlands

Meanwhile, authorities have reported a rise in precious metal thefts across the Netherlands. As metal prices increase, criminals increasingly target cultural sites.

For example:

• Thieves repeatedly stripped copper from the motorway statue De Tong
• Criminals stole more than €4m in gold objects from the Drents Museum in Assen last January

Boesveld said he hopes the thieves will not melt the silver. Instead, he urged preservation of the objects due to their cultural importance.