AAM Statement on the Theft of the Oakland Museum of California’s Collection
November 3, 2025 | In the PressWe were deeply saddened to learn of the theft of approximately 1,000 objects from the Oakland Museum of California’s collection storage facility. This significant loss reverberates throughout the entire museum community.
OMCA has been a valued member of the American Alliance of Museums for decades, and this violation affects us all. The museum field is built on trust and a collective commitment to preserving cultural heritage. When one institution suffers such a loss, every museum feels it. It is unconscionable that anyone would rob communities of irreplaceable objects meant to be preserved and shared for generations to come.
We especially recognize the museum professionals at OMCA who have dedicated their careers to the stewardship of these collections. This theft represents a profound violation of their life’s work and the sacred trust placed in them as custodians of public heritage.
The American Alliance of Museums stands in unwavering solidarity with OMCA, its staff, and the communities it serves as they navigate the aftermath of this crime and work toward recovery.
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.
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Press Contact:
Natanya Khashan
