The statement was drawn up at the initiative of the Prado in Madrid, after climate actions that included throwing soup at works by Vincent van Gogh in London and Rome and pelting a painting by Claude Monet with mashed potatoes. “These works must be preserved as part of our cultural heritage,” said the 92 museum directors.
The museums emphasize that they want to remain freely accessible to the public. “As museum directors entrusted with the care of these works, we are deeply shocked by the risky actions that endanger the art,” the statement said.
Dutch museums announced last month through the trade association for museums that they were “concerned” about the actions. “We understand that climate activists want to take action, but we are against this method because major damage can occur,” the museums said at the time. Shortly afterwards, the Girl with a Pearl Earring was attacked in the Mauritshuis.