Art history is being rewritten by bubble wrap and hidden murals

Art · Published 2 November 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From stolen masterpieces delivered in IKEA bags to 17th-century poetry scenes discovered during apartment renovations, 2023 proved that the past isn't just buried—it's often hiding in plain sight. These finds remind us that our understanding of human history is constantly evolving as new layers are peeled back.

The year 2023 served as a remarkable period for archaeological and cultural discovery, spanning diverse eras from the medieval period to modern American history. While some artifacts were unearthed decades ago and only documented recently, others appeared suddenly through chance encounters. These finds highlight the persistence of human creativity against the ravages of time, natural disasters, and deliberate theft. Archaeologists also focused on uncovering ancient hoards and reconstructing burial sites this year. These efforts revealed how far early humans traveled for trade. New findings of tools and crafted treasures demonstrate the advanced nature of past civilizations.

A Dutch museum's theft in March 2020 of a Vincent van Gogh piece marked a major art retrieval. In a bizarre turn of events, an anonymous tipster left the 1884 work outside the apartment of art crime investigator Arthur Brand, wrapped in bubble wrap and placed inside a blue IKEA bag. This was followed by another delivery involving six stolen paintings—mostly portraits of Dutch royals worth approximately €100,000—taken from a government building in Medemblik. The stolen van Gogh was painted in 1884. The six additional paintings were mostly portraits of royals from a Dutch town. These works were originally taken from a government building in September.

Beyond criminal recoveries, 2023 saw significant 'accidental' discoveries that provided a window into the past. While updating a York, England flat, builders found 17th-century wall paintings showing images from a poetry volume dated 1635. Other notable finds included a floating speakeasy and a 4,000-year-old site referred to as "Dutch Stonehenge," illustrating how history remains tucked away in attics, basements, and even thrift stores. Researchers also identified a gold-covered mummy and a hidden medieval crypt during the same period. A mysterious 12-sided object surfaced that some believe was used for sorcery. These items show how history remains preserved in unexpected locations.

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