The Incredible History of Edvard Munch’s Scream

Step inside the mind of Munch and follow The Scream’s journey from being stolen not once but twice to becoming the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction.

One of the most instantly recognizable images in the world, Edvard Munch’s The Scream has inspired an emoji, the mask of a Hollywood horror icon, and not one but two of art history’s most infamous heists.

This iconic painting has its own scream worthy history, from its theft, not once, but twice, to briefly becoming the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The Scream doesn’t stand alone, it is part of a series of works known as The Frieze of Life, which had four different themes including love, illness, anxiety, and death. It is said that The Scream is an experience that Munch had himself from a place called Ekeberg. As Munch walked along with two friends, he suddenly felt an intense emotion and fear as the sky turned blood red.

Edvard Munch created many different versions of the same motif throughout his life, including The Scream, yet there are three versions that have become the most well known – each with its own unbelievable story to tell.

Join us as we explore the mind of Munch and the dramatic twists and turns of The Scream’s thrilling journey from anxiety-induced beginnings to a brief stint as the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction.