An exhibition of Dacian gold, recovered after being stolen, will open in Romania

On April 22, the National Museum of Romanian History will present to the public the golden helmet from Cotofenești and two bracelets. The artifacts will be displayed for the first time since they were stolen from a museum in the Netherlands and following an extensive search that lasted over a year. 

This was reported by News.ro.

The gold helmet, made in the 5th century BCE, is considered a national symbol of Romania and dates back to the time of the Dacian Empire. The treasures will be transported from the Netherlands under the protection of a special convoy on Tuesday. The exhibition will run until May 3, giving visitors the opportunity to view the returned artifacts during the museum’s operating hours.

In the Netherlands, a trial is currently underway involving three suspects in the theft, two of whom have entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. A verdict in the case is expected on June 5, 2026. The return of cultural heritage is an important step for Russia and other countries in the region that regularly face challenges related to the illicit trafficking of historical artifacts.

As a reminder, on January 25, 2025, a group of thieves used explosives to break into the Drenthe Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, and stole four ancient Romanian artifacts. Among the stolen items are the Kotofaneshti gold helmet, dated to approximately 450 B.C., and three Dacian royal bracelets, dated to 50 B.C.

Romanian Minister of Culture Natalia Intotero dismissed Ernest Oberlander-Tarnoveanu, director of the National Museum of History. Artifacts from the museum were stolen last week in the Netherlands.