Two German visitors detained after taping small paintings in Louvre's Mona Lisa hall
Police arrested two German men who affixed two small pictures to a wall in the Louvre's Mona Lisa gallery, causing minor wall damage.
At approximately 15:30, Louvre security intercepted two German visitors who had used adhesive tape to attach two small paintings—each measuring 30 cm by 40 cm—to a wall in the gallery where the Mona Lisa is displayed. The act left only minor marks on the wall, and the iconic portrait suffered no harm. After removing the pictures, guards reported the slight damage, and police took the men into custody.
In a later informal interview, the suspects said they acted simply for amusement. They will be called back for formal questioning once the museum submits its complaint. The incident adds to a series of recent security concerns at the world-most-visited museum.
Why it matters
The episode highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities at the Louvre, a major cultural landmark visited by millions.
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