Munch display draws record crowds

OSLO, Norway, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The limited five-day exhibition at the Munch Museum of two recovered Edward Munch paintings drew record crowds in Oslo, Norway.

Norway's Aftenposten reported that Munch's "The Scream" and "Madonna," which were recovered in August after being stolen, drew more than 5,000 visitors between last Wednesday and Sunday.

Visitors to the museum during the display's run said they were interested in seeing the paintings before they both underwent restoration to repair damage done during the 2004 robbery.

"They were a couple of dumb thieves who stole the paintings, but now they're back," said 8-year-old Christian Haustveit, who attended the display with his family. "That's good, and that's why we're standing here and waiting."

The Norwegian museum's conservator, Elsebet Kjerschow, said the popularity of the exhibition shows the public's fascination with the works.

"The public interest is a joy for us," Kjerschow told the paper. "It shows that the public cares deeply about these paintings and identifies with them."