Forbidden City Museum apologizes for million dollar art theft

From May 12:
English.news.cn (Xinhuanet): Forbidden City Museum apologizes for million dollar art theft

BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Despite its heavy guard, a theft took place at the Forbidden city in Beijing on May the 8th. Seven items have been stolen and spokesman for the tourist attraction, Feng Nai'en apologized Wednesday morning to the public and made a commitment to beefing up security.

Feng Nai'en, spokesperson of Forbidden city Museum said, "First, I, on behalf of the forbidden city museum, would like to apologize to those who care about the forbidden city museum..."


"Also, I, on behalf of the forbidden city museum, would like to apologize to Madam Liang Yi Cang Museum and its sponsor Mr. Feng. Sorry..."

Apologies cannot retrieve the lost treasures.

Those 7 pieces of stolen exhibits were lent from a Hong Kong private museum in an exhibition cooperated with Beijing Forbidden City, displayed 130 pieces of exhibits.

And among the stolen pieces are early twentieth century Western-style dressing cases and diamond handbags, all from the hands of the world’s top jewelry masters.


And the curator of Liang Yi Cang Museum, Wang Xiahong said that she felt sorry for the loss, but they will continue the exhibition and add more pieces for the show.

Wang Xiahong, curator of Liang Yi Gang Museum said, "Both Mr. Feng and I myself have faith in the public security department. We are confident that the art pieces will return to the forbidden city and Liang Yi Cang museum."

The stolen pieces are said to be worth over ten million yuan. If they can't be found, both the Forbidden city and Liang Yi Cang museum will incur tremendous losses.

Ma Jige, director of Forbidden City Museum, said, "7 art pieces were lost, there are estimations on the Internet about their value. But I want to emphasize that due to the confidence of Liang Yi Cang museum, these art pieces are not declared according to their market prices. The incident happened unexpectedly, we....."

Beijing police had already taken over the investigation, declaring that a suspect is confirmed, but no one was arrested yet. And lots of tourists to the Forbidden City expressed their curiosity about this incident because in their minds, the security in Beijing is very tight, and things like this should not happen.