Two German nationals were arrested on Saturday at the Louvre in Paris after they attached their own paintings to the wall of the hall housing the iconic Mona Lisa. Police sources confirmed the men used sticky tape to affix two artworks, each measuring 30 by 40 cm.
Curiosity or Carelessness?
We did it for fun,
Police sources
- One painting depicted a man in armor.
- The other featured the two men alongside a woman.
Security personnel quickly detained the men, who will face charges for minor damage once the Louvre files a formal complaint. Fortunately, the Mona Lisa, protected by a thick layer of glass, remains unharmed.
This incident comes at a time when French museums are on high alert due to recent thefts that have exposed vulnerabilities in security measures. In October, the Louvre itself was the site of a daylight heist where jewelry worth millions was stolen.
In response to these security lapses, which were flagged in a 2019 audit, President Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans for a significant overhaul of the museum's infrastructure. This includes a new space for the Mona Lisa and a redesigned entrance.
The Louvre attracted around nine million visitors last year, which far exceeded its capacity, leading to ongoing concerns about overcrowding and safety.