Tourist destroys ancient statue while taking a picture

17:07 - 22 November 2016

18th century statue smashed by tourist

A tourist knocked over an 18th Century statue while trying to take a photo in the museum.

An 18th century statue of Saint Michael was knocked down by a tourist.

The Brazilian tourist was trying to get a better angle for a photo when he knocked the artifact over.

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The sculpture was mounted on a pedestal and displayed in the National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon and it fell to the ground, breaking into several pieces.

Someone nearby quickly took a photo right after the incident occurred and the photo has been shared widely on Social Media.

A deputy director at the museum said "I've been working in the museum for many years and cannot recall anything similar happening."

It is feared that the damage is irreparable as chances are very slim that it can be restored. The case is under investigation and the identity of the man has not been revealed.