British Museum forced to close after ex-employee's alleged IT sabotage

On Friday afternoon, the British Museum shut its doors due to an IT breach orchestrated by a former contractor who had been let go just a week earlier. This individual reportedly managed to infiltrate the museum's systems again, leading to disruptions in temporary exhibitions. Visitors who had purchased tickets in advance were provided with refunds. Authorities have charged a man in his fifties with burglary and criminal damage; he has since been released on bail. The exhibitions featuring the Silk Road and artist Hew Locke, both nearing their conclusion, have since reopened. Additionally, in a separate event in June, Brazilian artist Ilê Sartuzi took a coin from the gallery and placed it in a collection box, referring to the act as art.