German authorities have disclosed new findings about the January cyberattack on the Dresden State Art Collections, indicating the incident was more extensive than first believed. Officials said the intrusion appears to have continued for several days, from January 17 until it was discovered on January 21.
The museum network, which includes around 15 institutions across eastern Germany, said shortly after the breach that large parts of its digital systems had been affected. While the collections remained open to visitors, services such as phone lines, online ticketing, and digital visitor support were temporarily limited.
The Saxon Ministry of Justice confirmed that the attackers have not yet been identified. Culture officials in Saxony also stated that the security systems protecting the collections were not compromised. The case has been handed to the Central Office for Cybercrime Saxony for further investigation.
Among Europe's most respected museum networks, the Dresden State Art Collections includes major sites such as the Green Vault, the Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the New Masters Gallery. Its holdings feature works by Raphael, Vermeer, Monet, and Rodin, alongside important decorative and contemporary art collections.
The investigation continues as cultural institutions increasingly strengthen their digital resilience, a shift that may shape the future of museum security and public access.
