Ripley's Believe It or Not! has officially announced its acquisition of Maurizio Cattelan's controversial 18-karat gold toilet sculpture, titled "America," for an impressive sum of $12.1 million. This art piece, notable for being fully functional, was a prominent feature at the Guggenheim Museum and garnered further notoriety after a previous version was stolen from Blenheim Palace. The museum chain expressed immense excitement about this new addition, highlighting its significance as the most valuable item in their collection. Plans are underway for public display, with Ripley's even exploring the possibility of allowing visitors to interact with the unique sculpture.
The Golden Acquisition: A New Home at Ripley's
Ripley's Believe It or Not! has officially confirmed its purchase of Maurizio Cattelan's renowned 18-karat gold toilet, "America," for $12.1 million. The museum shared its enthusiasm on Instagram, noting this fully functional art piece as the most valuable addition to its collection. Previously, Sotheby's had only identified the buyer as a "Famous American Brand," sparking curiosity in the art world. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the provocative sculpture, which gained significant attention during its display at the Guggenheim Museum, where over 100,000 visitors queued to experience it.
The sale, conducted at Sotheby's "Now & Contemporary" auction, saw the golden toilet fetch a price only slightly above its raw gold value, despite widespread speculation of a higher bid. Originally consigned by billionaire collector Steve Cohen, the sculpture was exhibited in a private bathroom at Sotheby's headquarters prior to the sale, though it was strictly off-limits for use. Ripley's plans to exhibit the artwork publicly and is actively investigating whether future visitors will have the opportunity to use the functional sculpture. This bold move by Ripley's promises to continue the legacy of "America" as a conversation starter in both the art and public spheres, bringing a piece of contemporary art history to a broader audience.
The Intriguing History of "America"
Maurizio Cattelan's "America" is an 18-karat gold, fully functional toilet that has a history as intriguing as its price tag. First exhibited at the Guggenheim in 2016, it quickly became a sensation, drawing massive crowds eager to interact with the golden commode. The artwork then made headlines again in 2019 when a second, similar golden toilet was stolen in a smash-and-grab at Blenheim Palace, further cementing its status as a work of art that challenges perceptions and provokes discussion. The recent sale to Ripley's Believe It or Not! for $12.1 million ensures the sculpture's continued prominence in the public eye.
The artwork, which sold near its material worth, was previously owned by collector Steve Cohen, who had acquired it from Marian Goodman Gallery in 2017. Sotheby's confirmed the absence of an irrevocable bid and the acceptance of cryptocurrency for payment, adding another layer of modernity to the transaction. This piece is one of only two existing versions, with the Blenheim Palace incident highlighting its unique allure and vulnerability. Ripley's is now faced with the fascinating challenge of making this controversial and valuable artwork accessible to the public, while also deciding on the extent of visitor interaction, particularly concerning its functional aspect. The museum's exploration of allowing visitors to use the toilet continues the sculpture's tradition of engaging its audience in unexpected ways.
