- The appeal of the Gardener isn't simply its fabulous collection, it's also its arrangement.

Isabella Gardner lived here at Fenway Court and in her will she specified that nothing in the arrangement should be changed.

That may have added to security risks.

- A part of our heritage has been stolen from us.

It's a barbaric act.

- [Interviewer] The act was larceny grand scale, two thieves dressed as Boston policemen broke into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum early Sunday morning, they stole 11 paintings and etchings and an ancient Chinese vase.

Museum officials today, said it was the largest art heist in history.

"The Concert" by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, only 32 Vermeer paintings exist in the entire world.

The thieves also took two paintings and an etching by Rembrandt, including the Gardner Museum's most popular piece, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee".

It's the only seascape Rembrandt ever painted.

The FBI is searching the world for the artworks tonight.

The thieves apparently entered the museum through this side door posing as Boston policemen.

They overpowered two security guards and tied and gagged them.

They then spent several hours selecting various artworks.

Some of the paintings were cut from their frames.

Officials refuse to answer questions about security today, but they acknowledged the theft will force all small museums to rethink public access.

- I mean, you can't look at the "Mona Lisa" anymore.

You have to see it through three levels of security.

- [Interviewer] The Gardener will reopen with empty spaces on the wall on Wednesday.