Teen Arrested for Damaging Priceless Artworks at Met Museum NYC

A 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly damaging two priceless artworks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The incident took place on Monday around 4:40 p.m. inside the museum’s Fifth Avenue location, one of the most visited art institutions in the world.

According to authorities, the individual displayed erratic behavior and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance when he threw water on two renowned paintings — Princesse de Broglie by French artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres and Madonna and Child with Saints by Italian painter Girolamo dai Libri. The suspect also tore down several tapestries from the wall before being detained.

Witnesses quickly alerted the museum’s security, who escorted the individual out and contacted the police. He was taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief. Officials estimated the total damage to be around $4,000, with approximately $1,000 worth of damage to each artwork.

A spokesperson for the museum confirmed that no individuals or major artworks were harmed and thanked the security staff and local law enforcement for their swift action in ensuring the safety of visitors and the art collection.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, home to over two million works spanning 5,000 years of history, is one of the most important cultural landmarks in the United States. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the protection of priceless artworks and museum security amid increasing acts of vandalism in global art institutions.