Cattelan's 'Comedian' Banana Stolen from Centre Pompidou-Metz, Quickly Restored
Maurizio Cattelan's artwork 'Comedian', famously known for its duct-taped banana, was temporarily stolen from the Centre Pompidou-Metz in France. The incident occurred on May 30, 2026, during the exhibition 'Endless Sunday-Maurizio Cattelan and the Centre Pompidou Collection'. The theft was reported by a museum security guard, and the banana, which is the perishable element of the artwork, was swiftly replaced. The museum has filed a complaint with the authorities, although the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown. The museum emphasized that the value of the artwork lies in its certificate of authenticity and the protocol for its presentation, rather than the banana itself. The theft is seen as an act undermining the respect due to the artworks on display. 
