Maurizio Cattelan's 'Comedian' banana stolen from Centre Pompidou-Metz, museum files criminal complaint
The banana from Maurizio Cattelan's iconic artwork 'Comedian' was stolen from the Centre Pompidou-Metz over the weekend, prompting the museum to file a criminal complaint against unknown perpetrators for the first time.
The theft
A security guard at the Centre Pompidou-Metz in northeastern France discovered the banana missing on Saturday, 30 May 2026. The museum confirmed the incident and filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons, a step it had not taken during previous interventions involving the work. Museum officials stated that the decision to involve authorities was made because the perpetrator remains unidentified, leaving no possibility for dialogue.
The value of the work lies in the certificate of authenticity and in the protocol governing its presentation, not in the perishable element itself.
The banana was replaced immediately, restoring the work to its original presentation. The museum emphasized that no irreversible damage was found, though it condemned the act as undermining respect for exhibited works and temporarily depriving visitors of part of the exhibition experience.
A history of consumption
'Comedian' has been the subject of repeated interventions since its debut at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. The first incident occurred when contemporary artist David Datuna detached the banana and ate it, shouting "Respect, Maurizio!" He later described himself as "the first artist to eat another artist's art." In 2023, a Korean student consumed the banana at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, claiming he was hungry and that the work was "meant to be eaten."
It's better than other bananas.
In July 2025, a visitor to the same Centre Pompidou-Metz ate the banana, but the museum declined to press charges at that time. The current theft marks the second incident at this venue.
The artwork and its market
Created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, 'Comedian' consists of a banana affixed to a wall with duct tape and exists in multiple editions. The work is designed to provoke reflection on the nature and value of art. It is currently part of the exhibition 'Dimanche sans fin — Maurizio Cattelan and the Centre Pompidou Collection,' running until 27 June 2026, though some sources cite an end date of 25 January 2027.
- David Datuna eats the banana at Art Basel Miami Beach, calling it a performance.
- A Korean student eats the banana at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, citing hunger.
- Justin Sun buys an edition for $5.2 million and later eats the banana in Hong Kong.
- A visitor eats the banana at Centre Pompidou-Metz; museum does not press charges.
- Banana stolen from Centre Pompidou-Metz; museum files criminal complaint.
The artwork's market value has risen dramatically. Initially offered for $120,000 in 2019, one edition was purchased in 2024 by Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun for $5.2 million, with some sources reporting figures of $6.2 million or €5.88 million. After acquiring it, Sun ate the banana during an event in Hong Kong and shared the video on social media.
Museum response and broader context
The museum's decision to file a criminal complaint represents an escalation from its previous approach. In its statement, the institution stressed that while the banana itself is a replaceable, perishable component, the act raises concerns about respect for artworks on public display. The investigation is ongoing, and the museum has sought to reassure the public that the exhibition continues without disruption.
Cattelan, known for provocative works including the solid-gold toilet 'America,' told The Art Newspaper in 2021 that 'Comedian' was not a joke but a serious commentary and reflection on what society values. The work continues to generate debate about the absurdity of the art market, with hundreds of parodies circulating on social media.
