The Met Returns Looted Roman Bust to Country of Origin

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has returned a Roman marble bust from the 2nd century CE, identified as looted and originally acquired from Phoenix Ancient Art, co-founded by a convicted antiquities dealer. An investigation by Erin Thompson reveals that artifacts from this dealer still exist in U.S. museums despite their dubious origins. In other news, New York artist Noore Yazigi creates tattoos featuring Arabic calligraphy inspired by the Quran and the late Palestinian author Refaat Alareer. The Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University showcases the Children's Art Carnival, while the High Line Art invites public opinions on 62 proposals for plinth commissions for 2029-2030. Additionally, Justin Gignac markets street trash from Taylor Swift's wedding as memorabilia. Massimiliano Gioni has been appointed as the director of the New Museum. Protest signs against Israel’s actions in Gaza were displayed outside the Whitney Museum. Legionella bacteria was detected in the Guggenheim's cooling tower. The Brooklyn Public Library is offering a free lecture on Red Vienna architecture. Metrograph and ICP are presenting a film series focused on Yves Saint Laurent's costumes. The Children's Art Carnival is also hosting an African doll-making workshop. Lastly, World Cup final viewing parties are set for Central Park, Governors Island, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.