[MSN] Brazil. The museum, site of the theft last month of paintings valued at more than $50 million, has been threatened by São Paulo state authorities with temporary closing

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Brazilian Museum Declared a Menace
Compiled by PETER EDIDIN

More bad news for the São Paulo Museum of Art. The museum, site of the theft
last month of paintings valued at more than $50 million, has been threatened
by São Paulo state authorities with temporary closing, Agence France-Presse
reported. In court proceedings, the authorities contend that the museum has
been operating for 40 years without formal permission from the city, the
police and the fire service. Mariza Schiavo Tucunduva, a state official in
charge of health and safety, said a recent inspection had shown that the
fire system was not operating, extinguishers were missing, and exits were
not clearly marked. “There is an imminent risk to the life and health of
museum visitors as well as to the priceless historic and cultural heritage
that the institution’s collection represents,” Ms. Tucunduva said. The
museum asserted in a statement that it was the safest in the country.