A man wearing a wig concealed his identity and, as part of a startling disruption, pretended to be in a wheelchair, a moment that quickly went viral on Sunday. The incident occurred near La Gioconda, drawing astonished looks from the remaining visitors who barely believed that the performer could rise with ease from the adapted chair, seemingly intent on targeting the museum’s crown jewel, the Mona Lisa. The scene unfolded in Paris with shocks rippling through the gallery as a series of unusual actions disrupted the quiet reverence typically expected in such spaces.
One observer, still in disbelief, recalled the events with a mix of awe and confusion: a person dressed as an elderly figure emerged from a wheelchair, attempted to breach the window display of the famous portrait, and then theatrically scattered pastries and roses as security moved in. The chaos was brief but unforgettable, leaving the crowd buzzing about what had just happened as guards intervened and visitors absorbed the startling spectacle that had interrupted a day meant for quiet admiration.
Footage of the exact moment of the attack did not surface widely, but several visitors captured post-incident remarks on their mobile devices. In a message later shared on social media, the attacker offered a controversial motive: a statement about harming the Earth and urging artists to consider the planet. Security personnel promptly escorted the individual from the room, restoring a semblance of order while the museum evaluated the breach and its implications for safety protocols in front of one of the world’s most celebrated works.
Beyond the disrupted moment, the museum’s galleries continue to house timeless pieces that draw crowds from around the globe. Visitors can still admire the Samothrace Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo, and Delacroix-inspired pieces such as The Liberty Leading the People, alongside the iconic Da Vinci work that remains the most photographed painting within the entire complex. The recent event, though unsettling, has become part of the broader narrative of how visitors experience art in public spaces and how security teams adapt to protect priceless heritage while welcoming diverse audiences.
This is not the first instance where protected works have faced disruptive acts. In the past, museums have witnessed attempts to deface or damage art with improvised tools or symbolic gestures. Each incident has prompted stronger measures, including reinforced monitoring, clearer crowd control strategies, and more visible personnel presence in galleries. The overarching goal remains clear: to maintain a safe environment for all guests while preserving the integrity of the collections for future generations. The incident at La Gioconda serves as a reminder that, although art inspires, the safety of visitors and the protection of masterpieces must come first, even as institutions strive to balance openness with vigilance and respect for the timeless value of the works on display.