Satoshi Statue stolen from Lugano park, 0.1 BTC Reward Offered

Satoshigallery Confirms Satoshi Statue Theft, 0.1 BTC Reward Announced

An architecture dedicated to Bitcoin's reclusive creator, Nakamoto, was stolen from Lugano's Parco Ciani, Switzerland. The stolen Satoshi Statue was part of an international art initiative designed to emphasize the tale of Bitcoin and its elusive creator.

Satoshigallery Confirms the Theft

The theft was confirmed by Satoshigallery, the team behind the international campaign. In a public post, the team said they were deeply disappointed but reaffirmed their aim to install the Satoshi Statue in 21 cities globally.

Source: X (previously Twitter) 

The Satoshigallery group tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). "You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls." The tweet also issued a reward of 0.1 Bitcoin (approximately $11,000) for any individual who can assist in retrieving the stolen piece.

Details About the Statue's Design

The stolen art piece was created by an Italian artist Valentina Picozzi. He is also a researcher and Bitcoin supporter. It was made with 304 stainless steel and corten steel blocks, which brought modern style and strong symbolism to the work.

It was unveiled in October 2024 at the Plan B Forum and located close to Villa Ciani, a city center in Lugano. The art piece depicts a faceless individual sitting at a laptop. Surprisingly, the statue cannot be seen when we view the statute either directly in front or at the back. This has been carried out to reflect the anonymity of the creator of Bitcoin and to tell the world that “we are all Satoshi”.

A Symbol of Innovation and Mystery

The concept for the Satoshi Statue was planned for eighteen months and took three months to get entirely constructed. It wasn't just a work of art it transcended into a symbol of freedom, decentralization, and digital innovation.

Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti publicly endorsed the crypto art piece when it was unveiled. He said that it reflected the city's resolve to be at the forefront of blockchain and digital finance. "Lugano is set to become a digital innovation hub," he stated. "This statue celebrates Satoshi Nakamoto and our future city." 

Not the First Public Tribute

Although the Lugano theft is a disappointment, it's not the first time the world has celebrated Nakamoto in public art. In 2021, a bronze Satoshi Statue was dedicated in Budapest, Hungary. That iteration included a mirrored face so individuals could see themselves reflected in it, reflecting the notion that anyone could have been him.

Mystery Still Surrounds Nakamoto

Although Nakamoto is unknown, he (or she or they) is estimated to have in excess of 1 million Bitcoins. At today's prices, that would make him/her one of the richest persons on the planet richer than $130 billion.

But Nakamoto's wallets have never been accessed, contributing to the mystery and legend of Bitcoin's maker.

Conclusion

Although the Satoshi Statue in Lugano has been robbed, the dream still prevails. Satoshigallery declares that it will not be deterred. The intention of installing 21 similar peices worldwide is still alive and well, demonstrating that although symbols can be stolen, ideas endure.