A solid gold toilet installed in the former home of Winston Churchill has been stolen.
The 18ct toilet, reportedly worth more than £1m, is an art piece called America and is the work of Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan.
Police have confirmed the toilet has been stolen and are investigating.
The loo remains missing but a 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft.
Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: "The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.
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"Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.
"The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice."
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Thames Valley Police believe "at least two vehicles" were used.
A police presence has been increased in the area and investigators are appealing for information from witnesses.
Police received reports of the burglary at 4.57am, seven minutes after the thief or thieves fled the scene.
No injuries have been reported and Blenheim Palace has said it is co-operating with a police investigation.
The loo was installed in Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of the former prime minister and war time leader, as part of Mr Cattelan's first solo exhibition in 20 years.
The Palace's Twitter account apologised for "any inconvenience" caused to visitors, saying "due to an unforeseen incident at the Palace" it would remain closed for the rest of the day.
Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: "We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no one was hurt.
"We are very grateful to our staff and to Thames Valley Police for their rapid and brave reactions.
"We knew there was huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition, with many set to come and enjoy the installations.
It's therefore a great shame an item so precious has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the Palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share.
"The investigation continues, but it will be business as usual from tomorrow, so visitors can continue to come and experience all we have to offer."
