Ripley's Strikes Gold: Snagging a $12M Solid Gold Throne!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! has made headlines by purchasing a solid gold toilet for $12. 1 million at a recent auction. This extraordinary toilet, named 'America,' was created by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan. Unlike most art pieces, this toilet is fully functional and is made from more than 100 kilograms of 18-carat gold. The first version of 'America' was installed in a public restroom at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2016, where it attracted thousands of visitors who were able to use it. The golden toilet became even more famous when it was moved to Blenheim Palace in England, only to be stolen in a dramatic heist in 2019. Thieves ripped the toilet out and escaped in a stolen car, making international news.

After the theft, it was revealed that Cattelan had created a second golden toilet. This second version was put up for auction at Sotheby's in New York City, where it received just one bid. The auction house set the starting price based on the value of the gold itself, which was about $10 million. The buyer was initially kept secret, but Ripley's Believe It or Not! later announced that they were the ones who had purchased the toilet, expressing their excitement about adding such a unique item to their collection. Ripley's is known for its museums and attractions that showcase oddities and unusual artifacts from around the world. They are now considering whether to allow guests to sit on the golden toilet, but say that it will require careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The golden toilet is now the second most expensive artwork by Maurizio Cattelan ever sold at auction, with his most expensive piece selling for $17. 2 million in 2016. The first golden toilet was used by more than 100,000 people while it was at the Guggenheim Museum. The theft from Blenheim Palace and the subsequent trial captured the attention of people worldwide. The auction house described the golden toilet as a 'cultural phenomenon' and a sharp commentary on the relationship between art and money. David Galperin, head of contemporary art at Sotheby's, called it a 'tour de force' that challenges viewers to think about the value of art and the beliefs held by museums and the art market. On the same night as the golden toilet auction, a portrait by Gustav Klimt was also sold for a record price, making it the second most expensive piece ever sold at auction. Ripley's Believe It or Not! is now exploring ways to share the golden toilet with the public, hoping to make it a memorable experience for visitors. The story of the golden toilet highlights how art can be both valuable and thought-provoking, capturing the imagination of people around the world.