Two Germans detained in France over prank in Louvre’s Mona Lisa room — Asharq Al-Awsat
In Paris, France, police detained two German citizens after they attached two paintings to a wall in the Louvre room where Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is displayed. Asharq Al-Awsat reported this, citing police sources.
Paintings attached with adhesive tape
Using adhesive tape, the men placed two paintings measuring 30 by 40 centimeters on the wall. One depicted one of the detainees in armor, while the other showed two men together with a woman.
Museum security staff detained the men at the scene and called the police. They were arrested for minor damage to the wall. During questioning, they said they had done it for fun.
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The painting was not damaged
The Mona Lisa, protected by a thick layer of glass, was not damaged during the incident. According to police sources, the men will be summoned to court after the museum files an official complaint over the damage to the wall.
As the publication notes, Louvre staff are currently especially vigilant following a series of robberies at French museums and galleries. In October last year, eight pieces of jewelry worth millions of dollars were stolen from the Louvre during a daytime robbery. Four suspects were detained in the case, but the stolen items have still not been found.
About nine million people visited the Louvre last year, exceeding its estimated capacity. In May, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a major modernization of the museum, including a separate space for the Mona Lisa and a new entrance.
