As activists increasingly target works of art in stunts aimed at drawing attention to the climate emergency, museums have begun to step up their security measures to protect their collections.

This morning security at the National Museum of Norway in Oslo intervened as two women tried to cling to Munch’s The Scream (1893). They were taken care of by the police in the company of a third person who was filming the event.

The group came from Finland, Germany and Denmark. They are associated with a Norwegian activist group ‘Stop oljeletinga’ (Stop oil exploration), which demands that the government declare an immediate halt to oil exploration on the Norwegian continental shelf, as well as a plan to equitably match the oil workers of today to those of tomorrow. coming. Norway is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world.

The paint was not damaged, although some glue residue was left on the protective glass. The room was then emptied and closed to the public.

Some of the world’s most famous masterpieces are now the target of activists, including Vermeer’s work a girl with an earringby Van Gogh Sunflowers and now, The Scream.

MUseums have stepped up their security efforts in response to the frequency of attacks. Several museum security experts spoke to Artnet News about steps cultural institutions can take to defend against these types of attacks, including training security on what to look out for, as well as asking visitors to store all jackets and bags in lockers. A similar intervention occurred at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris on October 27, but security was able to prevent a woman from Just Stop Oil from throwing soup at an unidentified artwork.

Today, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) released a new statement on these protests. He highlighted “the role of museums as key players in initiating and supporting climate action within their communities” through education, awareness raising and dedicated exhibitions. .

“To achieve the full transformative potential that museums have for sustainable development, ICOM wants museums to be seen as allies in the face of the common threat of climate change,” the statement said.

“ICOM recalls that all museums, as trusted institutions, have a role to play in shaping and creating a sustainable future. Civil society is a key player in climate action: from NGOs, networks and activists to cultural institutions and museums. We must act collectively and in solidarity for our planet, because there is no climate solution without transforming our world.

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