Two German men were arrested after taping two 30×40 cm paintings to a wall in the Louvre gallery that displays the Mona Lisa; they told police they did it 'for fun'. The Mona Lisa was unharmed behind protective glass. The incident comes amid scrutiny of museum security following a high‑value jewellery theft and unimplemented recommendations from a 2019 audit; President Macron has ordered a major Louvre overhaul.
Two Germans Arrested After Taping Paintings To Wall In Louvre's Mona Lisa Gallery
The Mona Lisa itself, now protected by a thick layer of protective glass, suffered no damage in the incident (Lou BENOIST)
Two German nationals were detained and later arrested after affixing two small paintings to a wall in the room that houses Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris, police sources said.
The men used adhesive tape to fasten the works — each measuring about 30 by 40 cm — to a wall in the heavily visited gallery. One painting depicted one of the men wearing armour; the other portrayed the two men together with a woman.
Museum security officers removed the paintings and held the pair before summoning police. Officers arrested the men on suspicion of causing minor damage to museum property. When questioned, the men said they had done it 'for fun.' Police said they will be summoned to appear in court once the Louvre files a formal complaint over the damage.
The Mona Lisa was not affected: the painting remained protected behind a thick layer of security glass and suffered no damage in the incident.
Wider Security Concerns
Museum officials say they are especially alert following a string of thefts and security breaches at French cultural institutions. Last October the Louvre was hit by a daylight burglary in which eight pieces of jewellery worth millions were stolen. Although four suspects have since been arrested in connection with that heist, the stolen items have not been recovered despite extensive police searches.
A 2019 audit commissioned by the museum had already identified a number of security weaknesses, but many of its recommendations were not implemented. The Louvre welcomed roughly nine million visitors last year — far above its intended capacity — creating chronic overcrowding and complicating security efforts.
In May, President Emmanuel Macron announced a comprehensive overhaul of the museum that will include a dedicated new space for the Mona Lisa and a revamped main entrance, steps officials say are intended to improve visitor flow and tighten security.
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