Ask the Memphian: Has Memphis ever had an art heist like the Louvre?
The Brooks Museum of Art was opened in May 1916. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian file)
On July 23, 1997, officials with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art suddenly noticed that a $40,000 piece of art on loan to the museum was missing.
Someone had opened the display case — it apparently wasn’t particularly secure — where the 2-inch jade head that dated from around 800 A.D. was kept, along with several other items. The thief pocketed the statue, which its owner Rushton Patterson described as easily “filchable,” and it hasn’t been seen since.
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Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Dixon Gallery & Gardens Rock 'n' Soul Museum art theft Memphis Pink Palace Museum Ask the Memphian Subscriber OnlyWe’re in the final countdown of 2025. ⌛🪩🎉
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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