Maurizio Cattelan's iconic artwork *Comedian* (2019)—a banana duct-taped to a wall—was stolen from the Centre Pompidou-Metz in northern France on May 30. The museum reported the theft, filed a complaint, and quickly replaced the banana, restoring the work to its original presentation. The perpetrators remain unknown, and the museum emphasized that the work's value lies in its certificate of authenticity and display protocol, not the perishable fruit.
The theft underscores the enduring notoriety and cultural resonance of Cattelan's piece, which has been repeatedly consumed or stolen since its debut at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. The incident highlights ongoing debates about the nature of art, value, and institutional security, while also drawing attention to the exhibition *Endless Sunday* at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, which runs until January 2027.