On February 12, 1994, as the 17th Winter Olympic Games began in Lillehammer, Norway, a major art event also took place at the National Gallery in Oslo, which featured exceptional works from Norwegian art. On the morning of the Olympics' opening day, the museum's alarm system was triggered, leading the security guard to promptly call the police. Law enforcement arrived within minutes and assessed the situation: a window had been broken, and a ladder was found outside. The area where Edvard Munch’s iconic painting 'The Scream' had hung was now eerily empty, accompanied by a postcard left on the ground, sarcastically thanking the museum for its poor security system.

The surveillance footage revealed that the thieves carried out the heist in less than a minute, showcasing both their efficiency and the vulnerabilities in the museum's security protocols. 'The Scream' is considered one of the most recognizable pieces of art in Norway and has deep cultural significance, often symbolizing existential angst and modern anxiety. The theft not only created a sensational media event but also prompted a national discussion on the necessity of better security measures for art institutions.

The incident marked a pivotal moment in art crime history, as the theft of such a high-profile piece raised awareness about the protection of cultural heritage. It mobilized authorities to improve security at museums and led to advancements in theft prevention strategies, eventually influencing policies around art protection across the globe. The eventual recovery of the painting later underscored the ongoing challenges in safeguarding valuable artworks against theft.