Guggenheim to install gold toilet in public restroom

The Guggenheim Museum in New York will soon be home to an unusual art piece.

According to a news release issued by the museum, Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan will replace "a toilet in one of the museum's public restrooms with a fully functional replica cast in solid gold."

Artnet reports that even though the toilet will be made with 18-karat gold, it is intended to be used by visitors as designed.

Image: Maurizio Cattelan

The work is titled "America" which the museum explains is "a wink to the excesses of the art market, but also evokes the American dream of opportunity for all."

According to the press release, Cattelan is known "as the art world's resident prankster and provocateur."

The toilet represents his first substantial art piece since he announced his retirement in 2011.

It is scheduled to be made available for public use starting May 4.