Two Men Entered Dresden's Zwinger Courtyard Before Dawn, and Ran When a Guard Approached

Two unidentified men entered the open courtyard of the Zwinger, a Baroque palace complex in Dresden, Germany, in the early hours of October 27. Investigators believe the pair were carrying tools meant for a heist, according to ARTnews.

Baroque is the grand European building style of the 1600s and 1700s. The Zwinger houses a porcelain collection, along with Old Master paintings (the classic European works of earlier centuries) and historic scientific instruments. It is run by the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, the state-run body that manages the city's art collections.

According to the Saxon state press service, the men came in through the Crown Gate, the entrance to the courtyard, between 6:10 and 6:30 a.m. When a security guard went toward them, they turned around and ran back through the same gate.

Police suspect the men may have been after the porcelain collection. They have not named a specific object, and they have not confirmed that anyone tried to force an entry. ARTnews reported that the collection was already closed for construction work when the incident happened.

Authorities are asking witnesses to come forward. The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden has also increased security at the museum, according to Monopol magazine.

The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been reported.