Spain’s Museum of Censored Art Closes Indefinitely Following Labor Protests

Barcelona’s Museu de l’Art Prohibit, a sanctuary for artworks censored or attacked for their content, has closed indefinitely due to ongoing labor disputes. The museum, which showcased a collection that included Fabián Cháirez’s painting of Emiliano Zapata and David Wojnarowicz’s film “A Fire in My Belly,” cited financial losses from labor protests led by the Solidarity and Unity of Workers (SUT) union. These protests began after the museum terminated a contract with Magmacultura, employing visitor services staff, due to alleged precarious working conditions. As a result, the museum has witnessed a sharp decline in revenue, selling just 39 tickets since the protests intensified. Despite passing labor inspections and receiving favorable legal rulings, the museum faces accusations of prioritizing its collection over staff welfare. In response, the institution plans to transform into a traveling exhibit, starting with Italy in the fall. The museum founder, Tatxo Benet, remains focused on offering public access to censored artworks amidst ongoing challenges and criticism from union representatives.