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In 1967, the Most Expensive Art Ever Purchased Arrived at the National Gallery of Art in a Suitcase

The story of a record art purchase which put the National Gallery on the map.

Aired 11/18/2024 | Rating NR

Boundary Stones

In 1967, the Most Expensive Art Ever Purchased Arrived at the National Gallery of Art in a Suitcase

Special | 5m 36s

The story of a record art purchase which put the National Gallery on the map.

On a cold night on February 8, 1967, a plane landed at National Airport. The only indication of the plane’s arrival came through a cryptic message, sent by the FBI agents on board: “the Bird” had landed. On the plane was precious cargo — a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, purchased for a record-breaking sum after a decades-long pursuit by the National Gallery.

Aired 11/18/2024 | Rating NR

Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA

Boundary Stones

In 1967, the Most Expensive Art Ever Purchased Arrived at the National Gallery of Art in a Suitcase

Special | 5m 36s

On a cold night on February 8, 1967, a plane landed at National Airport. The only indication of the plane’s arrival came through a cryptic message, sent by the FBI agents on board: “the Bird” had landed. On the plane was precious cargo — a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, purchased for a record-breaking sum after a decades-long pursuit by the National Gallery.

Aired 11/18/2024 | Rating NR

How to Watch Boundary Stones

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Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA

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