Banana Theft at Centre Pompidou-Metz Triggers Criminal Complaint

On Saturday, a security guard at the Centre Pompidou-Metz in eastern France discovered that the fresh banana forming the perishable component of Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork “Comedian” had been removed from the wall. Museum officials lodged a criminal complaint with the relevant authorities, citing “no possibility of dialogue” with the unidentified perpetrator. Within hours the missing fruit was replaced, restoring the installation to its intended presentation. The museum noted that the banana is routinely swapped every three days as part of the work’s display protocol.

French museum files complaint after theft of $6.2 million banana artwork

Created in 2019, “Comedian” consists of a banana taped to a wall and a certificate of authenticity. The piece first appeared at Art Basel Miami Beach, where performance artist David Datuna peeled and ate the banana in front of the fair’s audience. Subsequent incidents include a 2023 removal and consumption at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, a 2024 public eating by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun after purchasing an edition for a reported $5.2 million (some reports list $6.24 million or $6.2 million), and a July 2025 theft by a gallery-goer at the same French museum. The work’s market value is tied to its concept and certificate rather than the fruit itself.

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• Maurizio Cattelan – Italian artist and creator of “Comedian.”

French museum files complaint after theft of $6.2 million banana artwork

• Centre Pompidou-Metz – Institution that filed the complaint and maintains the work.

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• Perrotin Gallery – Original seller of the artwork, contacted for comment.

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• Justin Sun – Collector who previously ate a banana from an edition of the piece.

French museum files complaint after banana artwork stolen

• David Datuna – Performance artist who intervened at Art Basel 2019.

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• High Court of Metz – Authority approached for comment on the investigation.

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The museum’s statement emphasized that the theft “undermines the respect due to the works on display and temporarily deprives visitors of part of the experience offered by the exhibition.” It affirmed that the perishable component had been replaced promptly and that the institution would pursue legal recourse against unknown persons. The museum also reiterated that “Comedian” is intended to demonstrate the absurdity of financial speculation and the fragility of knowledge systems that underpin the art market.

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Art critics have long debated the merit of “Comedian,” arguing that its value resides in the concept and authenticity certificate rather than the banana itself. The repeated consumptions and thefts have amplified discussions about the boundaries of conceptual art, the role of audience interaction, and the sustainability of perishable artworks in museum settings.

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Sources differ on the auction price of the 2024 edition, citing $5.2 million, $6.24 million, and $6.2 million. The museum’s earlier decision not to pursue legal action after the 2024 incident contrasts with the current criminal complaint, but no official rationale for the policy shift has been provided. Neither the High Court of Metz nor Perrotin Gallery offered comments at the time of reporting.

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• “undermines the respect due to the works on display and temporarily deprives visitors of part of the experience offered by the exhibition,” — Centre Pompidou-Metz (museum statement)

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• “the perishable component of the work has been replaced, and the work has been restored to its original presentation as quickly as possible.” — Centre Pompidou-Metz (museum statement)

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• “Comedian” is intended to demonstrate the “absurdity of financial speculation and the fragility of knowledge systems that underpin the art market,” the museum said in a statement at the time.” — Centre Pompidou-Metz (museum statement)

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• “there is no possibility of dialogue.” — Centre Pompidou-Metz (museum statement)

French museum files complaint after banana artwork stolen

• “this is the second time this has happened” — Centre Pompidou-Metz (museum statement)

French museum files complaint after banana artwork stolen

Local police have opened an investigation into the theft, and the museum plans to continue exhibiting “Comedian” with regular fruit replacements. Ongoing legal proceedings may set precedents for the protection of perishable components in contemporary art installations.

French museum files complaint after theft of $6.2 million banana artwork