Protesters have been arrested after gluing themselves to the protective covering of a Picasso painting at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne's CBD.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said a 59-year-old Footscray man and a 49-year-old woman from NSW first glued their hands to the painting at about 12:40pm on Sunday, and were eventually removed just after 2pm.
They were arrested along with a 49-year-old Williamstown man and were assisting police with their enquiries.
A spokesperson for the gallery said there was a perspex glazing over the painting, which is part of the Picasso Century exhibition.
"The exhibition was closed to the public … the protesters' hands were safely removed from the perspex with no harm to the work," the spokesperson said.
Climate activism group Extinction Rebellion has claimed responsibility for the protest on social media.
"Two Rebels have glued on to the glass of Picasso's 'Massacre in Korea'. This painting shows the horrors of war," the group said in the post.
"Climate breakdown will mean an increase in conflict around the world. Now is the time for everyone and all institutions to stand up for action!"
Gallery visitors who witnessed the protest have taken to social media, with some posting footage showing the protesters shouting and security guards gathering around the painting.
Footage shows a sign in front of the protesters that reads "climate chaos = war and famine".
Extinction Rebellion has staged demonstrations around the world in response to what the group says is inadequate action on the ecological crisis facing our planet.
The group say while their actions are peaceful, they're nevertheless aiming to disrupt "business as usual" and are prepared to be arrested to send a message.
In October 2021, Extinction Rebellion protesters glued their feet to the road in Adelaide's CBD, causing major traffic delays.
