Prized artwork mistaken for trash at Dutch museum; recovered
A bizarre situation unfolded in the Netherlands. A mechanic at the LAM museum in Lisse accidentally discarded a priceless exhibit, mistaking it for a beer can. It was, in fact, the artwork "All The Good Times We Spent Together." Fortunately, the piece was successfully recovered.
The Guardian reports on this surprising incident. A mechanic at the LAM museum in Lisse, Netherlands, spotted a "beer can" in the lift and decided to tidy up. Believing a visitor left the can, he threw it away.
It later turned out to be a significant exhibit for the entire LAM museum. Why the mix-up? The artwork, "All The Good Times We Spent Together," resembles a crushed drinks can.
The artwork has been recovered. It has returned to the exhibit
The museum authorities quickly noticed the valuable piece of art was missing. The exhibit's curator, Elisah van den Bergh, initiated a coordinated search, which was successful. She managed to retrieve the installation from the rubbish bag just in time, when it was about to be taken to the tip.
Froukje Budding, the spokeswoman for the LAM museum, stated that there are no hard feelings towards the mechanic. He will not face any consequences. The authorities recognised that he had only just started his job and was simply performing his duties diligently.
The spokeswoman added that the museum aims to surprise visitors by placing installations in unexpected locations. For this reason, "All The Good Times We Spent Together" was placed in the lift.
Meanwhile, LAM museum director Sietske van Zanten believes that this approach helps visitors view everyday objects in a different light.
By displaying artworks in unexpected places, we amplify this experience and keep visitors on their toes, she said.
