A German museum employee's dream of seeing his artwork displayed in a renowned museum turned into a nightmare after he was caught and fired.
The 51-year-old technician, who also considered himself a "freelance artist," managed to sneak one of his paintings into the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich on February 26th.
According to German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and Munich police, he hung it on a gallery wall outside of regular museum hours.
After a museum technician tried to hang his artwork in a famous museum, security personnel promptly discovered the unauthorized addition and removed the painting.
The consequence of the incident led to the employee being fired from his job.
The museum's spokesperson, Tine Nehler, confirmed the incident and the man's termination.
She stated that the employee, who previously had no disciplinary issues, mounted the artwork in a modern art collection exhibition room after closing hours.
Nehler added that the man has been banned from the museum and his employment will not be continued.
Tine Nehler said: “As a result of the incident, he has been banned from the museum until further notice and his employment will not be continued.”
While details about the painting's subject matter are unknown, Nehler confirmed its size (60 cm x 1.2 meters) and stated that despite the employee's access outside of opening hours, supervisors typically catch such attempts quickly.
The man is being investigated for property damage, potentially facing a fine or imprisonment of up to two years if convicted.
The chief superintendent of the Munich Police, Christian Drexler, explained that the painting was attached with screws, causing damage to the exhibition wall.
The estimated total damage is €100 ($107). Drexler further stated that the painting has been confiscated.
“We have of course initiated criminal charges. This means that the public prosecutor’s office will now decide what happens,” Christian Drexler, chief superintendent of the Munich Police, told CNN. “But it’s up to the judiciary to decide in each individual case.”
Following the discovery, the man emailed the museum confessing his actions, identifying himself as a freelance artist.
Security then reported him to the police.
