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Portofino's Museo del Parco illegally occupied, turned into dump

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

In August 2020, a person struggling with mental health issues unlawfully occupied the Museo del Parco – Centro internazionale di scultura all'aperto in Portofino, one of Italy's stunning outdoor sculpture parks, for approximately ten days. During this time, the individual transformed the museum into a dumping ground by collecting large quantities of waste from Portofino's trash bins. Daniele Crippa, the museum's owner and founder, expressed concern for the well-being of both the occupant and others. The incident concluded on Sunday, August 16, when the woman disrupted a religious service in a local church and returned to the museum. Police intervened, forcibly removing her and transporting her to a hospital. The park features over 140 pieces by renowned artists such as Severini, Beuys, and Man Ray.

Key facts

  • Museo del Parco – Centro internazionale di scultura all'aperto in Portofino was illegally occupied.
  • The occupation lasted about ten days in August 2020.
  • The occupant was a person with mental health issues.
  • The occupant turned the museum into a dump by bringing garbage from Portofino's bins.
  • Owner and founder Daniele Crippa feared for safety.
  • The situation ended on August 16, 2020.
  • Police removed the woman and took her to a hospital.
  • The park has over 140 works by artists including Severini, Beuys, Man Ray, Rotella, Pomodoro, Fontana, Arman, Spagnulo, Atchugarry, Poirier, Vautier, Spoerri, Patella, Catania, Ceccobelli, and Spalletti.

Entities

Artists

  • Severini
  • Beuys
  • Man Ray
  • Rotella
  • Pomodoro
  • Fontana
  • Arman
  • Spagnulo
  • Atchugarry
  • Poirier
  • Vautier
  • Spoerri
  • Patella
  • Catania
  • Ceccobelli
  • Spalletti
  • Daniele Crippa
  • Alberto Dambruoso

Institutions

  • Museo del Parco – Centro internazionale di scultura all'aperto di Portofino
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Portofino
  • Italy

Sources