Edvard Munch's The Scream, one of the most famous paintings in the world, was stolen from the National Gallery of Norway on February 12, 1994, during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. The theft was brazen, taking place in broad daylight when a group of armed thieves entered the gallery and made off with the artwork. This audacious crime shocked the art world and the general public, as The Scream is not only a central piece of Norwegian culture but also a symbol of existential angst and modern art. The thieves aimed to exploit the global attention on Norway due to the Winter Olympics, making their escape during a time when security was presumed to be stretched.After several months of investigation and media attention, the painting was recovered on May 7, 1994, in a sting operation led by Norwegian police. The authorities confirmed that the painting had suffered no damage during the heist or the time spent in the hands of the thieves. Following its return, The Scream was restored to its rightful place in the National Gallery, capturing the attention of art lovers once again. Law enforcement officials hailed the recovery as a significant win against art crime, further discussing the implications of high-profile thefts in the art world.