A visitor to the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, accidentally damaged a painting of Ferdinando de’ Medici on June 21 while trying to imitate its subject for a selfie. This incident is part of a growing trend of tourists taking selfies in European museums, leading to multiple cases of art damage. Similar incidents have occurred recently, such as a visitor breaking a chair covered in Swarovski crystals at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy, and museum staff at the Louvre in Paris striking due to overcrowding and the challenges posed by selfie-taking tourists.
Uffizi’s director, Simone Verde, states that the problem has become rampant as visitors increasingly focus on creating social media content rather than appreciating the art. The influx of tourists with smartphones often results in distracted or careless behavior, further exacerbated by the cool refuge museums offer during summer. Professor Marina Novelli from Nottingham University highlights a broader shift where tourists now have a “selfie bucket list” instead of seeking artistic enlightenment.
Selfies disrupt museum experiences
This has led to European cities struggling to welcome visitors while protecting local heritage. Museums face the challenge of making art accessible to the public while ensuring its preservation.
Smartphones, used for photographs and social media, contribute to incidents of damage and even transform museum spaces into theaters for activist protests. Institutions are exploring various measures to mitigate damage, such as installing physical barriers, designating selfie zones, and improving signage. The Uffizi plans to set strict limitations to prevent future incidents and maintain the integrity of their exhibitions.
Despite these challenges, museums continue to adapt, striving to find a balance between accessibility for visitors and safeguarding art for future generations.
