Renowned artist Maurizio Cattelan, best known for his duct-taped banana that sold for over $6 million, is once again making headlines. This time, thieves stole his 18-karat gold toilet, America (2016), from Blenheim Palace in England.
A Swift and Well-Planned Robbery
Authorities revealed that four suspects carried out the theft in just five minutes. They used two stolen vehicles—an Isuzu truck and a VW Golf—to crash through locked palace gates. Once inside, they quickly removed the 103-kilogram solid gold toilet and made their escape.
The fully functional artwork had been installed in a public restroom as part of a 2019 exhibition. Visitors could even book time slots to use it, making it a rare interactive art piece. Before its display in England, the toilet had been on view at New York’s Guggenheim Museum since 2016.
Suspects and Criminal Charges
Michael Jones, who allegedly orchestrated the crime, now faces trial at Oxford Crown Court. Prosecutors stated that he visited Blenheim Palace twice before leading the heist. Despite the evidence, Jones has pleaded not guilty to burglary charges.
Three other men are also facing legal action. Fred Doe and Bora Guck have been charged with conspiracy to transfer stolen property. Meanwhile, James Sheen, a construction worker hired by Jones, admitted his involvement in the crime.
Investigators believe the stolen toilet was melted down and sold to a jeweler in London’s Hatton Garden, a district known for trading precious metals.
A Repeat Offense?
Surprisingly, this is not the first time Cattelan’s gold toilet has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. A similar theft occurred in 2019 at Blenheim Palace, raising further speculation about the artwork’s fate.
As the trial progresses, authorities remain determined to track down what remains of the stolen masterpiece.