Golden Lion-Winning Biennale Cafe Destroyed During Central Pavilion Renovation

During restoration work on the Central Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, the award-winning cafe installation by German sculptor Tobias Rehberger was removed. Rehberger received the Golden Lion in 2009 for his work 'Was du liebst, bringt dich auch zum Weinen,' which transformed the exhibition building's cafe into an immersive optical illusion with retro aesthetics. The installation, described as a disorienting, psychedelic space that referenced World War I naval camouflage techniques, had become a popular gathering spot for visitors and workers. Its removal on March 19 coincided with the inauguration of a new Central Pavilion featuring a more open cafe design. The destruction of this significant contemporary artwork has raised questions about preservation practices for temporary-turned-permanent installations.