The British Museum was forced to close on Friday afternoon after its IT system was attacked.
A former employee, a contractor who had been dismissed a week prior, allegedly regained access to the institution, inflicting damage that affected the operation of the museum’s temporary exhibitions. Visitors with prebooked tickets were offered refunds. Police say they charged, and since bailed, a man in his fifties on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage.
The Silk Road and a solo exhibition by artist Hew Locke, now in their final weeks, have reopened.
In June, a Brazilian artist removed a coin from its gallery in the institution and deposited the ancient artefact in the collection box at the entrance. Ilê Sartuzi said his much-publicised action was an artwork.
