$10 million reward expiring for information on Gardner Museum heist

The Gardner Museum heist remains the biggest art theft in world history.

Priceless masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum by thieves dressed as Boston police more than 27 years ago. In May, the museum put up a $10 million reward for its return, but the offer expires in just two weeks, at midnight on New Year's Eve.

"If someone is on the fence, or has always been on the fence about coming forward with information, hopefully this deadline will spur them to action and decide, 'I have to do it now.' Because this offer is so incredible," said Anthony Amore, head of security for the Gardner Museum.

MORE: New England's Unsolved Podcast: The Gardner Museum Heist

Right after the thieves made off with the stolen artwork, Christie's and Sotheby's offered $1 million for their safe return. By 1997, that was up to $5 million.

"We're looking for facts. We're not looking for theories," said Amore.

Amore tells Boston 25 News reporter Bob Ward the reward deadline illustrates how desperate the museum is to recover the art.

IMAGES: 25th Anniversary of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist

"We're not asking someone to bring me the paintings. That'd be nice. All you have to do is bring me information that leads me to the paintings to get this reward," said Amore.

Recently, the feds have been pressuring for information an aging Connecticut mobster they believe knows more about the Gardner artwork, but denies any knowledge.

Now, museum officials want the word out that this no strings attached $10 million reward is about to vanish.

"This idea this offer is too good to be true, it might sound that way, but it's not. We're sincere in our reward offer," said Amore.

MORE FROM BOSTON 25:

Gardner Museum art thieves' identities known, FBI says
Mobster turned minister opens up about stolen Gardner Museum paintings
Man faces charges tied to stolen Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum paintings

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