Twelve pieces of art at famed museum destroyed in burglary

19 Mar 2026 • 2:42 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Seattle for allegedly destroying nearly $250,000 worth of artwork.
  • He is accused of breaking into Seattle Center's Chihuly Garden and Glass museum shortly after 11 p.m. Monday.
  • The suspect shattered 12 of the museum’s iconic glass plant sculptures, with the damage estimated at approximately $240,000, police said.
  • He also threw broken glass shards at a museum security guard and attempted to stab him, though the guard was unharmed, according to Seattle PD.
  • The man faces charges including first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and first-degree malicious mischief.

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