Support is rapidly building for the restoration of Lugano’s Satoshi Nakamoto statue after it was damaged and dumped into Lake Ceresio earlier this month.
A Change.org petition urging city officials to take action has now surpassed 1,100 signatures.
The bronze statue, created by artist Valentina Picozzi and the Satoshigallery collective, was first revealed 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
Initially displayed at Villa Ciani before being relocated to Lugano’s Foce district, the piece honored Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator as a symbol of innovation, financial independence, and personal freedom.
From Vandalism to Community Action
On the night of August 1st, the statue was reportedly stolen and thrown into the lake. The following morning, divers from Salvataggio Lugano retrieved its remains in multiple fragments.
Hey @planb_network where the F… has Satoshi Nakamoto’s statue gone?! pic.twitter.com/FchcOMJhuS
— Gritto (@Grittoshi) August 2, 2025
In response, local residents and Bitcoin advocates quickly organized a petition demanding the city’s support to restore the artwork and ensure its future protection.
“This piece represents much more than just a statue,” said Luca Esposito, petition organizer and founder of the Satoshi Spritz Lugano event series.
“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.”
Artist Offers Free Restoration
The petition calls on the City of Lugano to provide logistical and security support for the statue’s return.
Picozzi and Satoshigallery have pledged to restore the statue at no cost, requesting only that it be placed in a secure, high-visibility location.
“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.”
Organizers have expressed their gratitude to those who helped recover the statue and reiterated their commitment to using public art as a way to educate citizens, especially younger generations, about Bitcoin’s cultural and technological impact.
Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/ripristino-statua-di-satoshi-a-lugano-restoration-of-the-satoshi-statue-artwork-in-lugano
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