Museum of the Missing

By Simon Houpt,

Book cover of Museum of the Missing

Book description

The masterpieces of art that have been stolen could fill a museum. Museum of the Missing offers readers a rare glimpse of the greatest gallery that never was. Simon Houpt brilliantly recounts the story of its valuable holdings and investigates some of the men and women involved in the thefts.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Museum of the Missing as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book looks at thieves, liars, manipulators and of course the art itself. There’s a section on damaged goods, which taps into one of my obsessions about the difference in time and effort creation versus destruction takes. 

It’s full of pictures, ironic given that most of the pieces depicted are lost, never to be found. The Gallery of Missing Art is beautifully reproduced, and includes such masterpieces as Strindberg’s “Night of Jealousy”, so we can look at the works and marvel. But knowing that these pieces are…somewhere? Hidden away for a small audience, or perhaps destroyed? That’s heart-breaking.  

From Kaaron's list on stolen art.

Want books like Museum of the Missing?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Museum of the Missing.

Browse books like Museum of the Missing

Book cover of A Small Unsigned Painting
Book cover of Headlong
Book cover of The Plundered Past: The Traffic in Art Treasures

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in art theft, art, and museums?

Art Theft 48 books
Art 941 books
Museums 19 books