Who Bought the $12 Million Golden Toilet? Discover the Buyer!

A gold toilet, named "America" and created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, recently sold for a staggering £9.3 million ($12.1 million) at auction. This piece of art, which is fully functional and made from solid 18-carat gold, was purchased by Ripley's Believe It or Not! after its original version was famously stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent auction of the gold toilet marks a significant moment not only in the art world but also in popular culture. Ripley's Believe It or Not! confirmed their purchase, bringing the artwork back into the public eye following its tumultuous history. The successful bid of £9.3 million highlights the continuing fascination with Cattelan's provocative work and the intersection of art and commercial value.

Key takeaways

The gold toilet "America" sold for £9.3 million at Sotheby's.
Originally stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019, the artwork has a tumultuous history.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! confirmed they are the mystery buyer.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of the key events surrounding "America":

2016: The first version of "America" is installed in the Guggenheim Museum, New York.
14 September 2019: The original gold toilet is stolen from Blenheim Palace.
2022: News circulates about the existence of a second version of the toilet.
10 October 2023: The second gold toilet is auctioned at Sotheby's and purchased by Ripley's Believe It or Not! for £9.3 million.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The auction of the second version of "America" represents the culmination of a fascinating saga. The decision to auction the piece at Sotheby's, with a starting bid based on its weight in gold, added an intriguing twist to its commercial value. Ripley's announcement of their purchase has reignited interest in the artwork.

What was already established

The original gold toilet was a sensation, attracting over 100,000 visitors during its time at the Guggenheim Museum. Its theft from Blenheim Palace in 2019 attracted significant media attention, and the subsequent trial of those involved kept the story alive in public consciousness.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The sale of "America" serves as a reminder of the high value placed on unique art pieces, which can influence market perceptions of luxury and desirability. For consumers, this event may stimulate discussions about the value of art and how it intersects with everyday life.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in the art sector, this auction highlights the potential for high-value sales and the impact of celebrity and novelty on art markets. Ripley’s future plans for the gold toilet could also create job opportunities in tourism and visitor experiences.

Policy and regulation

The auction and the previous theft underscore the importance of security measures for high-value artworks. Institutions may need to reassess their protocols for protecting unique items, especially those that draw large public interest.

Numbers that matter

£9.3 million: Sale price of the second "America" toilet at auction.
101.2 kg: Weight of the gold toilet, made from 18-carat gold.
£4.8 million: Estimated value of the original toilet stolen in 2019.
Over 100,000: Number of visitors who used the original toilet at the Guggenheim Museum.
$10 million (£7.6 million): Initial starting bid at Sotheby's based on the gold's market value.

Definitions and jargon buster

Conceptual art: An art form in which the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished art piece itself.
18-carat gold: Gold that is 75% pure, commonly used in high-value jewellery and art.
Incisive commentary: A sharp and insightful discussion or critique, often used in the context of art to provoke thought.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, Ripley’s will likely announce specific plans regarding the display and accessibility of the gold toilet, which could influence visitor interest and ticket sales.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the novelty of the purchase settles, the focus will shift to how Ripley's integrates the toilet into their attractions, potentially exploring interactive experiences for visitors.

Signals to watch

Official announcements from Ripley's regarding future exhibitions or plans for the gold toilet.
Media coverage of visitor reactions and interest in the new attraction.
Trends in art auctions and sales, particularly for conceptual works.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow updates from Ripley's to learn about new exhibits and attractions.
Consider visiting art exhibitions that feature contemporary and conceptual art.
Engage with discussions around the value of art and its role in society.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of high-profile art sales on public interest and tourism.
Take for granted the security measures surrounding high-value artworks.
Ignore the broader cultural conversations sparked by provocative art pieces.

Checklist

Stay informed about Ripley's announcements.
Explore local art galleries that may feature similar works.
Engage with art communities and platforms online.
Research the history of conceptual art and its key figures.
Consider the implications of art as a commodity in the current market.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing dialogue surrounding the value of art, especially in cases like "America", can be subjective. The auction's high price may not reflect broader market trends, and future value can be volatile. Additionally, Ripley's plans for the toilet's display may face logistical challenges and security concerns similar to those encountered with the original artwork.

Bottom line

The sale of the gold toilet "America" for £9.3 million serves as a striking example of the interplay between art, commerce, and public fascination. As Ripley's prepares to unveil this unique piece to the public, it prompts questions about the future of art installations and their accessibility. Will we see more interactive art experiences in the future?

FAQs

What is the significance of the gold toilet "America"?

The gold toilet "America" is a conceptual artwork by Maurizio Cattelan, symbolising the interplay between art and commodity value, and sparking discussions on societal values.

Where was the original "America" located before it was stolen?

The original "America" was installed in the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where it attracted significant public interest before being moved to Blenheim Palace.

What are Ripley's plans for the gold toilet?

Ripley's has indicated they are exploring possibilities for displaying the gold toilet, potentially allowing visitors to interact with this unique piece of art.