A couple visiting the Palazzo Maffei Museum in Verona inadvertently damaged an artwork when they attempted to pose for a photograph. The incident involved a chair covered in Swarovski crystals, part of artist Nicola Bolla’s exhibit inspired by a famous Vincent van Gogh painting. Security footage released by the museum shows the man and woman waiting for guards to leave the room before the man squats over the delicate chair, pretending to sit while the woman takes his picture.
However, he accidentally sat down on the chair, causing it to break under his weight. The woman quickly helped him up, and the pair left the room immediately after. Museum officials described the incident as an accident and have informed the local police.
However, the identities of the individuals remain unknown. Vanessa Carlon, the director of the museum, urged those involved to come forward and apologize. “It wasn’t such a brilliant thought to sit on an artwork,” Ms.
Carlon noted in a phone interview.
Tourists damage delicate exhibit chair
She expressed concern over the lengths people will go to for a memorable photograph and highlighted the issue of the couple fleeing rather than owning up to their actions.
The footage, which has been circulated online, showcases a growing problem in museums worldwide where visitors sometimes prioritize photo opportunities over respecting the exhibits. While no formal charges have been filed, the Palazzo Maffei Museum hopes the release of the video will prompt the individuals responsible to take accountability for their actions. Initially, the museum was concerned that the chair would be unfixable because of its delicate design, but restorers did an “outstanding job,” Carlon said.
“Fortunately, the piece is shining once again,” she added. The museum has reported the incident to the police, adding that the identities of the people involved are not currently known. Palazzo Maffei released the CCTV footage of the incident, which happened in April, on Thursday as a reminder to visitors of the importance of treating art with respect.
“A special thanks to all of you who walk through the museum’s rooms every day with care, attention, and wonder,” it said in a statement. “Because art is not just to be seen. It is to be loved.”
