Several museums in Berlin were vandalized due to fears of the novel coronavirus.

According to German media, several works of art and ancient artifacts in four galleries on Museum Island in Berlin were vandalized on October 3rd. An oily substance was poured onto 63 exhibits, including an Egyptian sarcophagus, stone sculptures, and paintings at the Pergamon Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Neues Museum.

The damage is believed to have been caused by a water gun or a syringe containing lubricating oil.

This act of vandalism is linked to conspiracy theories that have recently surfaced in Germany. One conspiracy theory claims that the Pergamon Museum is the world's center of Satanic worship because it houses a replica of the ancient Greek Pergamon Altar.

Renowned German vegan chef Attila Hildmann, also a proponent of far-right conspiracy theories, recently posted messages on social media claiming that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is using the Pergamon Altar for "human sacrifice."

When the Pergamon Museum closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hildmann argued that the ancient Greek Pergamon Altar was "the center of Satan worshippers and Corona criminals worldwide."

Police in Berlin are now appealing for witnesses who may be able to identify the attacker.

Since June, when the Pergamon Museum was closed, conspiracy theorists have been standing outside the steps of the Altes Museum, spreading propaganda to the community that the Pergamon Altar is for performing black magic and that the Museum is a hideout for "Corona criminals" and Satan worshippers.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is the name given to the northern half of Spreeinsel Island on the Spree River in Berlin's central Mitte district. It is known as a complex of museums of international significance, all part of the Federal Museum of Berlin located entirely in the northern part of the island. Museum Island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

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