Afternoon Lectures: Art Thefts & the Gilded Age

About this event

Afternoon Lectures: Art Thefts & the Gilded Age

Stolen masterpieces and the American collectors who brought European art across the Atlantic. Two lectures, free to members.

Museum Art Thefts

Presented by Roberta Pawlak

Masterpieces are never entirely safe from those who covet them. From the Mona Lisa’s disappearance from the Louvre in 1911 to the 2025 theft at Dresden’s Royal Palace, the art world has been greatly impacted by these high‑stakes crimes. In this presentation, Roberta Pawlak tells the fascinating stories behind some of the world's most famous art thefts and the worldwide efforts to recover the missing masterpieces. Roberta reveals how these events reshaped museum security, altered the art market, and continue to fascinate investigators and collectors alike.

The Journey of European Art to America in the Gilded Age

Presented by Dorothy Mikuska

The extraordinary wealth of the Gilded Age ignited a feverish quest by America’s titan’s of industry for some of the world’s greatest paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Dorothy Mikuska will trace the journeys of European masterpieces to America and share how these works of art were acquired, transported, and ultimately entrusted to American museums, universities, and public institutions. Dorothy has uncovered the stories behind these acquisitions and the powerful personalities who made them possible.

Join us for a captivating look at how Europe’s masterpieces crossed oceans, entered America’s grand halls, and became part of our cultural legacy.

Free to members. Guests pay $10 cash or check at the door.

Doors open 12:30pm

Lectures: 1:00–3:00pm

Refreshments Served

No registration required — just come.

GETTING THERE

Location: Glendale Lakes Golf Club, 1550 President St., Glendale Heights, IL

From the south (Glen Ellyn)

• From Geneva Road, turn north on Bloomingdale Road

• Turn left on E. Fullerton Avenue

• Turn left onto President Street

• Pass Glendale Heights Public Library on your left

• Glendale Lakes Golf Club is on the right

From the west (Wheaton)

• Go north on Main Street, which becomes Schmale Road

• Turn right on E. Fullerton Avenue

• Turn right on President Street

• Glendale Lakes Golf Club is on the right

From all points east

• Go west on North Avenue to President Street (2.8 miles west of I-355)

• Turn north on President Street for 0.8 miles

• Glendale Lakes Golf Club is on the left