Ottmar Hörl's Mini Mozart Sculptures Stolen in Salzburg

Eighty‑six gold‑colored, 50‑cm miniature Mozart figures were taken from the Mirabellgarten in Salzburg, where a total of 320 sculptures had been installed to mark the composer’s 270th birthday. The installation was created by German conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl and commissioned by the International Stiftung Mozarteum.

The theft was reported in mid‑July. According to Linus Klumpner, director of the foundation, more than 80 figures have disappeared, leaving only 234 on display. Klumpner appealed for the public to stop removing the statues, noting that the artwork is intended to remain until the end of August. He added that the foundation does not plan to pursue criminal charges, as the pieces are considered public‑domain artworks belonging to the artist.

Despite the losses, the exhibition continues to attract attention, with media outlets from Cincinnati to Shanghai reporting on the popular installation.