Theft of banana sculpture at Centre Pompidou-Metz: artwork by Maurizio Cattelan stolen

Metz – 31.05.2026: An unusual art theft took place on Saturday at the Centre Pompidou-Metz. A visitor stole the famous banana from the installation „Comedian“ by artist Maurizio Cattelan. This work consisted of a real banana attached to the wall, which attracted a lot of attention in the art world and had already been sold for 6.2 million dollars. The museum responded immediately and filed a complaint against unknown persons. The police have launched an investigation to track down the culprit and recover the artwork.

The act sparked interest not only in Metz but also beyond, because „Comedian“ is seen as a symbol of the connection between everyday objects and contemporary conceptual art. The work of the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan has provoked discussions about the understanding and value of art since its first exhibition. At the Centre Pompidou-Metz, the installation was part of a temporary exhibition that brought together various controversial artworks.

Witnesses reported that the theft happened quickly and caused confusion among the visitors. Security footage is currently being analyzed. The museum emphasized that despite modern security measures, it is difficult to fully protect the fragile and perishable nature of the artwork. The banana was attached to the wall using special methods, but that proved insufficient to prevent the theft.

The theft also raises questions about dealing with conceptual art, where often vulnerable and ephemeral material is part of the artistic message. Experts point out that the disappearance of the banana could add a new meaning to the discourse, as the work is extended by a story of loss and recovery.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is working closely with the authorities and is asking the public for tips. A spokesperson for the museum underlined the importance of the work for contemporary art and expressed hope that the artwork will return soon.

It is still unclear whether this was a targeted action by an art forger or a single visitor who took the banana as a curiosity. The investigation is ongoing, and the museum has announced that it will review and strengthen security measures.

In the art world, the incident is causing discussions about the protection of artworks that often do not consist of robust materials, and about the boundary between art and life, representation and reality. The theft of the banana remains an exceptional case that breathes new life into the dialogue about artistic freedom and theft prevention.