Berlin, dozens of works damaged in three museums: suspicions over far-right plotter

A vandal daubed and damaged dozens of works in Berlin museums: at least 70 objects were hit with an oily substance in early October (however, authorities only released the news this morning). Among the affected works are Egyptian sarcophagi, stone sculptures, and 19th-century paintings. The criminal hit three museums: the Pergamon Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Neues Museum. Berlin police have opened an investigation.

At the moment, the perpetrators and motives are not yet known. However, German newspapers are linking the incident to conspiracy theories that are also mounting in Germany, supported at this time by those who deny the existence of Covid-19. Circulating in the media is the name of a 39-year-old vegan chef who, in recent days, allegedly wrote on his highly-followed Telegram channel (over 100,000 followers) that the “Pergamon Museum is the temple of Satan.” The man, who belongs to extremist right-wing circles, had already been arrested last August during a demonstration protesting the restrictions for Covid-19.

According to authorities, the one in early October is one of the most serious attacks on Germany’s artistic heritage in the postwar period. At the moment, at the request of preservation agencies, details of the damage have not yet been released. At the moment it is known that the liquid sprayed on the works has left conspicuous stains.

Photo: the Alte Nationalgalerie. Ph. Credit Manfred Brückels

Berlin, dozens of works damaged in three museums: suspicions over far-right plotter

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