An open letter from the National Museum Directors' Council: 'These attacks have to stop'

We respect the right to protest but believe these attacks on artworks are damaging and create a hostile environment for both visitors and staff, undermining the core mission of our museums.

The current situation forces us to consider imposing barriers between art and the public, jeopardizing the essential accessibility that defines our institutions' missions.

Recent protests have targeted iconic paintings and caused physical damage, distress to visitors, and significant disruption in our efforts to share art with the public.

UK museums and galleries are vital to society's cultural life, and we must protect them to ensure that future generations can access and appreciate our irreplaceable collections.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events