Bad publicity is still publicity.
The Belvedere hogs the limelight these days. Last week, a drunkard man threatened to destroy the famous “Adele Bloch Bauer” paintings done by Gustav Klimt along with others if they would be returned to their rightful owner, Maria Altmann, a Viennese-born US citizen.
Though I can understand the man’s “frustration” (patriotism or emotional connection to history, you decide), I don’t know if the Austrian government’s attitude is to blame. The culture and education secretary Elisabeth Gehrer explained that there is simply no money to finance (or pay Ms Altmann) the paintings in question.
An increasing number of visitors flock the museum just to catch the last glimpse of these paintings. Soon Austria will have to say goodbye to them.

–oo–

I am curious how John Malkovich will fare as the Hollywood reincarnation of Klimt. According to this article, the republic of Austria has never been interested with the famous painter, his works and what he did, even when he was still alive.