Vandalized Satoshi Nakamoto Statue Resurrected in Lugano—Crypto’s Icon Stands Tall Again
Lugano's bronze tribute to Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator is back—polished, repaired, and defiant as ever after an act of vandalism tried to erase it.
Why it matters: The statue isn't just metal; it's a symbol of crypto's unkillable ethos. Even when knocked down, the industry dusts itself off (and probably buys the dip).
The irony: A movement built on 'code is law' needed old-fashioned artisans to restore its physical monument. Meanwhile, Wall Street still can't decide if Bitcoin is a 'store of value' or a 'risk asset'—classic hedge fund indecision.
Details of the recovery
City workers discovered the statue in several pieces along the riverbank and in the lake, suggesting it was vandalized rather than stolen for profit.
Satoshigallery, the art collective behind the installation, noted that the statue had only been welded to its base at two points—its feet remained attached to the base after the rest was removed.
Satoshigallery had offered a 0.1 BTC reward, valued at over $11,000, for the statue’s recovery.
community responses to the incident
The vandalism drew strong reactions from the bitcoin community.
Gabor Gurbacs, founder and CEO of Pointsville, commented on social media:
“Such a tasteless and stupid thing to do. Hope they find who did it.”
Some, including the pseudonymous advocate Gritto, speculated that the act may have been committed by intoxicated partygoers celebrating Swiss National Day.
symbol of resilience
Despite the attack, the Bitcoin art collective remains committed to its mission.
Satoshigallery stated:
“You can steal our symbol, but you will never be able to steal our souls.”
The group reiterated plans to install similar statues in 21 locations worldwide, underscoring the enduring influence of Satoshi Nakamoto’s legacy.
