The Bitcoin art community faces an unexpected setback as a statue dedicated to Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, has disappeared from its display location in Lugano, Switzerland. The Satoshigallery, responsible for curating and showcasing the artwork, has put forward a bounty of 0.1 BTC for anyone who can assist in retrieving the missing piece, adding another layer of intrigue to the already enigmatic legacy of Satoshi Nakamoto and this unique artistic creation.
Following the theft, the Satoshigallery team posted on X to announce the reward and reaffirm their commitment to installing 21 Satoshi statues worldwide. This ambitious project mirrors Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins, symbolizing the core values of scarcity, decentralization, and permanence that define the cryptocurrency.
🚨 BREAKING: The Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano, Switzerland has been stolen, according to Satoshigallery — the group behind the global statue initiative.
They’re offering a 0.1 $BTC reward for any info leading to its recovery. 😳
Despite the setback, the mission stays… pic.twitter.com/uD7Q4TXbMm
— BIT CO.🦊 (@BIT_CO_) August 3, 2025
The gallery expressed their defiance in the face of this setback, stating: “You can steal our symbol but you will never be able to steal our souls.”
Artistic Vision Meets Cryptocurrency Philosophy
The stolen statue gained recognition not merely as a physical tribute, but for its thoughtful design concept. Created to capture the essence of Bitcoin’s mysterious founder, the artwork features an innovative visual trick that renders it nearly invisible when viewed head-on, a subtle reference to Nakamoto’s anonymous nature.
From a side angle, however, the sculpture’s form becomes visible, serving as a metaphor for how Satoshi remains concealed yet omnipresent in Bitcoin’s fundamental philosophy. This design choice reflects the enduring influence Nakamoto continues to have on the cryptocurrency space, despite their complete withdrawal from public view.
Community Rallies Behind Missing Monument
The theft has sparked an outpouring of support from Bitcoin enthusiasts worldwide, with community members showing solidarity through social media messages. Many view the statue as far more than artistic expression, seeing it as a representation of perseverance, technological breakthrough, and the continuing pursuit of monetary independence.
Tuur Demeester, who serves as an advisor at Blockstream and is considered a Bitcoin veteran, shared his disappointment, suggesting: “Very sad… Next one should maybe be in a few cubics of granite.”
Preston Pysh, who founded TIP, offered a succinct observation that captured the irony of the situation: “Even his statue disappears…”
The ongoing search for the missing artwork reinforces the narrative that certain enigmas in our digital era only become more compelling when faced with attempts to eliminate them. The Satoshigallery team continues to seek information from anyone who might know the current location of the Satoshi Nakamoto statue.
Broader Cultural Implications
While this incident primarily affects the Bitcoin art community, it maintains neutral sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market. The theft of the statue is unlikely to influence Bitcoin’s price movements or trading patterns in any meaningful way.
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