Summary:

Claudia and her younger brother Jamie decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they stumble upon a mysterious statue that may or may not be an authentic Michelangelo. They embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth about the statue, with the help of the eccentric Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Running Away to the Museum:

Tired of their mundane lives and seeking excitement, Claudia and Jamie Kincaid decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They carefully plan their escape, packing their belongings and saving money for their adventure. With Claudia’s meticulous planning and Jamie’s resourcefulness, they manage to evade detection and successfully make their way to the museum.

The Mysterious Statue:

Once inside the museum, Claudia and Jamie stumble upon a mysterious statue of an angel that catches Claudia’s attention. The statue is attributed to an unknown artist, but Claudia believes it may be the work of the renowned Michelangelo. Determined to uncover the truth, Claudia and Jamie embark on a quest to find out the statue’s origins and prove Claudia’s theory.

The Enigmatic Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler:

During their investigation, Claudia and Jamie encounter Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, a wealthy and eccentric woman who donated the statue to the museum. Intrigued by their curiosity and resourcefulness, Mrs. Frankweiler agrees to help them in their search for the statue’s authenticity. She invites them to her grand mansion and shares her knowledge and insights about the statue and its history.

As Claudia and Jamie delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a series of clues that lead them to a small town in Connecticut, where they meet the former owner of the statue. Through their interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Frankweiler’s lawyer and the museum curator, they piece together the story behind the statue and its potential connection to Michelangelo.

In the end, Claudia and Jamie discover that the statue is indeed an authentic Michelangelo, making their adventure a success. They return home, forever changed by their experience and newfound appreciation for art and history.

• Claudia and Jamie’s determination and resourcefulness lead them to uncover the truth about the statue.
• The importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
• The transformative power of art and the impact it can have on individuals.

“I think you should learn, of course, and some days you must learn a great deal. But you should also have days when you allow what is already in you to swell up inside of you until it touches everything. And you can feel it inside you. If you never take time out to let that happen, then you just accumulate facts, and they begin to rattle around inside of you.”– Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler