MYSTERY AT THE MOA

Welcome, Art Sleuths!

You've just stepped into a mystery that has waited decades to be solved. ·

During the turmoil of World War II, a European art curator fled her homeland with a cache of precious artworks. To protect what she could not carry, she scattered clues across the world, hiding messages in plain sight. Some of those messages, it turns out, found their way here, to the galleries of the BYU Museum of Art.

Now it's your turn to uncover her story. Your first clue is below: a photograph of a woman arriving in a new land with purpose and hope.. She is your starting point. Find her in the gallery, within a larger painting, and when you do continue on to your next clue.

Each clue you solve will bring you closer to the final revelation: a long-lost cache of artwork, hidden away for safekeeping and waiting to be discovered. But beware-this journey will require sharp eyes, clever thinking, and a spirit of adventure.

Are you ready to cross the divide between past and present? If you get stuck, you can find clues at the bottom of this page!

Let the search begin.

Now search the article below and find the name of the four legged creature with flowing mane.

Find his place among the land and the legend will help you understand.

Their crowns lie low in earthen beds.
Not kings, but giants - gnarled heads.
Bark once proud now cracked and torn,
In wooded silence they mourn.
Seek not a throne but roots instead -
Where forest kings have fallen dead.

Find the painting indicated by the last clue. When you get there, this sketch might be useful...

He sits alone, no work, no plan,
A weary soul - the forgotten man.
His hands once strong, now pockets bare,
His burden heavy, hard to share.
To learn his fate, dig through your pack -
A telegram and slip of pink will
Put you on the track.

When you find the next artwork, you'll need these torn-up pages to find where to go next...

Beyond the wall where sorrows lie,
A sweeter grief may catch your eye.
A letter waits with longing penned,
From one who hopes love's wait will end.
He toils for Goetz in London gray,
While dreams of wedding drift away.
The cloth enclosed - a subtle thread -
Will point you where his bride is led.

It seems like someone else in the gallery might know something - someone wearing black and white lace...

A patron true with cultured grace,
She brought fine music to her place
Schubert, Schumann, Mozart played,
While candlelight and song conveyed.
Her label tells of music's role -
A program holds your next key goal.
A song translated clear and bright,
Will point you to your final site.

Look at the golden pocket watch... What time does it say?

When you've figured it out, bring your answer to the Front Desk to claim your prize!