When Did the Mona Lisa Get Stolen

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:51:02 +0000

**When Did the Mona Lisa Get Stolen? Uncovering a Historic Mystery That Shapes Cultural Icon Status** When did the Mona Lisa get stolen? For centuries, this question has captivated curiosity across the world—and in the U.S., interest is more alive than ever. Far more than a simple date or event, the story behind when the world’s most famous painting disappeared reveals layers of art history, national identity, and intrigue that continue to shape cultural conversation. Though the Mona Lisa has never been truly lost, its notorious theft on August 21, 1911, transformed it from a revered Renaissance masterpiece into a global symbol of mystery and intrigue. The painting vanished from the Louvre in Paris while on display—unsecured and hidden in plain sight—sparking decades of speculation and press attention that endures to this day. ### Why the 1911 Theft Remains a Top Topic in the U.S.