Artwork Mistaken for Trash Rescued from Museum's Bin

A work of art was saved from a trash bin at a Dutch museum. It was initially confused for what it depicts: two abandoned beer cans.

All The Good Times We Spent Together, a piece by French artist Alexandre Lavet, showcases painted cans that can be mistaken for real litter. The LAM museum in Lisse emphasized this in a news release, stating, "A closer look shows these dented cans were hand-painted with care. Each detail is meticulously replicated."

The museum exhibited Lavet's work in their glass elevator shaft. An elevator technician misidentified it as actual litter during routine checks.

"The theme of our collection is food and consumption," explained Sietske van Zanten, the museum's director. "Our art prompts visitors to reassess everyday objects. By placing artworks in unexpected locations, we enhance this experience, keeping viewers engaged."

Museum staff members, noticing the artwork's absence, initiated a search. They successfully rescued the intact cans from a trash bin that was about to be emptied.

Van Zanten mentioned the technician who disposed of the artwork was a substitute for the regular elevator technician. The regular staff member knows the museum's collection well.

"He was simply doing his job in good faith," van Zanten remarked. "This incident highlights the effectiveness of Alexandre Lavet's art."