B.J. Novak, known for his role in The Office, recently made a triumphant return to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Nearly three decades after a mischievous prank involving swapping out audio guides in an exhibit, Novak was granted an 'official pardon' by the museum.
Novak took to Instagram to share his excitement, expressing gratitude for the museum's sense of humor and mercy. He recounted his experience speaking at the MFA about 'Art & Pranks' alongside a lifelong friend, with the event moderated by another individual.
The actor even had the opportunity to reconnect with Edwin, the security guard who was present on the day of the infamous prank. Novak humorously mentioned his initial suspicion of a possible sting operation but was relieved to find that all was well.
During his visit, Novak shared several photos, including a close-up of the official pardon he received from the museum. He also posted images of the cassette tape titled 'Tales of the Land of Dragons,' which he had used for the prank back in 1997, along with a newspaper clipping detailing the incident.
The museum joined in on the fun, playfully confirming Novak's pardon on social media. They acknowledged the prank he pulled during his high school days and welcomed him back for a sold-out event where he shared stories from his youth as part of a lecture series.
In 1997, Novak had replaced audio guides for an MFA exhibition with his own recordings, leading to confusion among unsuspecting visitors. Despite the prank's lighthearted nature, it left a lasting impact on the historic institution, showcasing that even the most playful antics can resonate within a revered establishment.
