The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has reportedly been firing workers for repeated misconduct during the Pokemon Exhibit. Read on to learn more details about the situation.
Van Gogh Museum Fires Workers for Misconduct
So much for the appreciation of art. The Van Gogh Museum reportedly fired a handful of its employees over cases of misconduct since the Pokémon Exhibit started in September 2023. Het Parool – an Amsterdam-based publication – first reported the museum’s suspensions, which included security guards and exhibit workers.
Leaked Ticket Purchase Information and Theft Reported
Although the museum confirmed that the suspensions took place in mid-December, they refused to reveal the exact number of people suspended. Anonymous sources told Het Parool that "at least four" workers were affected. Although their identities remained undisclosed, the museum confirmed that among the suspended workers were security guards, and public service employees stationed in the cloakroom and cash register.
The four were said to have misbehaved during the Pokémon Expo, and reportedly leaked ticket purchase information. One employee was reported to have been caught embezzling a box of Pokémon cards out of the exhibit.
A spokesperson for the Van Gogh Museum confirmed that the suspended employees would not be returning. "We emphasize that we view this as an incident," he added.
Scalpers Swarm the Pokemon Exhibit
This is hardly the first wave of incidents to arise from the Pokémon Expo at the Van Gogh Museum, with scalpers reportedly swarming the place in pursuit of special promo cards immediately after it was opened to the public. The museum eventually discontinued the promo cards altogether as the reported swarming posed safety concerns for the public and art pieces.
A lot of buzz has surfaced from this particular exhibit since it was unveiled on September 28, 2023. Those looking to snap a peek at the unique artwork are out of luck, however, as the exhibit closed on January 07, 2024.
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Four Van Gogh Museum employees leave after misconduct at Pokémon Expo