In brief
Ripley's Believe It or Not! has emerged as the mystery buyer of the $12.1 million golden toilet, a stunning artwork by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. Originally installed in New York, it became infamous when stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The recent auction saw it receive just one bid, yet its new owners are considering future plans for public interaction. The purchase highlights the intersection of pop culture, art, and commercialism, as the golden throne is both a functional item and a significant art piece.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! has purchased a gold toilet for $12.1 million (£9.3 million) at auction, following the theft of the original from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The toilet, named 'America,' was created by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan and is made from over 15st 13lb (101.2kg) of solid 18-carat gold.
This unique art piece was first installed in a public bathroom at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2016, before being stolen three years later. The auction at Sotheby's this week revealed that the toilet received only one bid, though it started at an estimated value of $10 million based on its weight in gold.
Ripley's confirmed their purchase through an Instagram post stating they were 'flush with excitement.' This entertainment company is known for showcasing oddities and interactive attractions worldwide.
Discussions are already ongoing about potentially allowing guests to interact with the golden toilet, although logistical concerns must be addressed to ensure the experience is both delightful and secure.
The sale marked a significant point in art and auction history, with only one winner. This acquisition adds a curious and provocative piece to Ripley's collection, challenging perceptions of art as commodity versus creative expression, highlighted by comments from Sotheby’s art experts.
