Theft at the Regional Museum of Messina: Archeoclub d'Italia calls for the return of Antonello's works and a strengthened protection network.

A theft of great cultural significance has struck the Regional Museum of Messina, involving three of the five surviving panels of the Polyptych of San Gregorio and a double-faced tablet attributed to Antonello da Messina, works of inestimable historical and artistic value. The incident prompted a strong reaction from the Archeoclub d'Italia Sicilia, which emphasized that these assets represent not only the identity of Messina and Sicily, but also a universal heritage of humanity.

Francesco Finocchiaro, architect and regional coordinator of the association, highlighted the need for the immediate recovery of the works and increased security in museums and the many local institutions that house cultural assets, which are often fragile and poorly guarded.

The coordinator also emphasized the importance of an integrated approach involving regional institutions, the Ministry of Culture, law enforcement, universities, and cultural associations to build a stable shared protection network. It was emphasized that technology, while essential, cannot replace the role of qualified personnel and a human presence in the facilities.

Archeoclub d'Italia has declared its readiness to actively collaborate, offering its expertise, volunteer work, and local roots to advance knowledge and protect local heritage.

The association has also appealed to anyone holding the stolen works, urging them to return them before they are damaged or dispersed into the illegal market. At the same time, it relies on the work of law enforcement and the judiciary to determine responsibility and recover the stolen assets.

This theft has reignited the debate on the vulnerability of cultural sites, especially in light of similar incidents at prestigious international museums. The Messina incident thus becomes an opportunity to promote a collective, ongoing, and organized effort that transcends the emergency and ensures the daily protection of Sicily's cultural heritage.