Petition Launched To Restore Vandalized Satoshi Nakamoto Statue in Lugano

A public petition has been launched to restore the Satoshi Nakamoto statue in Lugano following an act of vandalism that left the artwork damaged and submerged in Lake Ceresio.

Hey @planb_network where the F... has Satoshi Nakamoto's statue gone?! pic.twitter.com/FchcOMJhuS
— Gritto (@Grittoshi) August 2, 2025

The artist collective behind the piece, Satoshigallery, has offered to recreate the statue at no cost, provided it is relocated to a secure and publicly visible site.

The petition, now available on Change.org, calls on the City of Lugano to assist in the restoration effort by offering logistical and security support.

The statue, dedicated to the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, was originally unveiled during the Plan ₿ Forum on October 25th, 2024.

I really like the newly unveiled statue of Satoshi Nakamoto in #Lugano. Especially the way it honors privacy. Depending on the perspective, it disappears. #PlanBForum #privacy 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/cV6dWtukXt
— chris ₿ 🇨🇭 (@chrisb_btc) October 25, 2024

Created by artist Valentina Picozzi and her Satoshigallery collective, the work was initially displayed at Villa Ciani and later moved to the Foce district along the lakefront.

According to local reports, the statue was stolen and thrown into the lake during the night of August 1st.

The following morning, divers from Salvataggio Lugano recovered the statue’s remains in multiple fragments.

In the wake of the incident, a group of local residents and Bitcoin advocates organized a petition demanding immediate action from city authorities to restore the artwork and ensure its future safety.

“This piece represents much more than just a statue,” said Luca Esposito, the petition’s spokesperson and organizer of Satoshi Spritz Lugano, a recurring public event aimed at educating citizens about Bitcoin.

“It is—just like Bitcoin—a symbol of individual freedom, financial independence, and the right to privacy—values that are deeply rooted in traditional Swiss principles, and not just in technological innovation.”

Organizers argue that rebuilding the statue would not only restore an important cultural symbol but also reinforce Lugano’s reputation as a city that values openness, innovation, and public trust.

Petition Seeks City’s Support

The petition requests the City of Lugano to:

Provide logistical assistance for the full restoration of the artwork
Identify a permanent, safe, and visible location for the reinstalled statue

Artist Valentina Picozzi and the Satoshigallery collective have confirmed their willingness to produce and donate a new version of the statue at their own expense.

“No financial contribution is being requested from the city,” Esposito emphasized.

“Only a commitment to provide logistical support for the restoration and to work with the artist to identify a proper, permanent, and secure location.”

The group also extended its gratitude to those who assisted in recovering the statue from the lake and reaffirmed their mission to promote Bitcoin values through education and public art, especially among younger generations.

Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/ripristino-statua-di-satoshi-a-lugano-restoration-of-the-satoshi-statue-artwork-in-lugano