Romanian authorities decide Brancusi works in Targu-Jiu can no longer be touched

Local councilors in Targu Jiu, a city in Western Romania which accommodates several outdoor works of famous Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, approved a decision forbidding “physical contact with the artist’s works.” Those who ignore the decision could receive fines between RON 500 (EUR 112) and RON 2,500 (EUR 556), Mediafaxreported. The decision is meant to protect The Heroes’ Path ensemble in the city, and comes after two teenagers wrote their names on The Endless Column, this April. The Heroes’ Path ensemble is made up of The Endless Column, The Gate of the Kiss, The Table of Silence and The Alley of Chairs. President Klaus Iohannis caused a media stir last year when he was photographed sitting at The Table of Silence, while only a few meters away from the table, a display asked visitors to avoid contact with the works. Local police will verbally warn visitors not to touch the works and, in exceptional cases, will levy fines. Special signage placed in the area will also carry the message. Another article in the decision forbids access with dogs or other animals, bicycles or roller-skates in the vicinity of the Brancusi ensemble. Local councilors will also submit a report to the Culture Ministry to receive approval for a decision requiring visitors to keep a distance of 2 meters from the works located in the city’s Central Park, and 5 meters from The Endless Column. No more marriage ceremonies at Brancusi’s Gate of the Kiss in Romania? Brancusi masterpiece auctioned at Christie’s New York this May editor@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Radio Targu Jiu Gorj Facebook Page)