An art exhibit at a prestigious Italian museum turned into the scene of an unfortunate act of carelessness when a tourist shattered a fragile Swarovski-studded chair before fleeing the scene.
Security footage from the Palazzo Maffei in Verona captured the jaw-dropping moment a male visitor sat on a crystal-encrusted art piece, Nicola Bolla’s “Van Gogh” chair causing it to collapse. The ornate piece, known for its delicate structure and intricate crystal detailing, was left broken on the museum floor.
Museum Speaks Out: “A Nightmare Come True”
Shortly after the incident, the museum posted the surveillance video on Facebook, along with a sharp rebuke for the behavior.
“The nightmare of every museum has become a reality, even at Palazzo Maffei,” the museum’s social media statement began.
The footage, which quickly went viral, includes narration from a museum staff member who expressed disbelief. “What you just saw would be ridiculous if it hadn’t, unfortunately, actually happened,” the employee said in the video.
Deliberate Timing and Irreversible Damage
According to museum staff, the tourists appeared to have deliberately waited until security guards were out of sight before taking a photo, one that ended with the piece crashing to the ground.
The chair, a visually striking tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting style, was described as “extremely fragile” and clearly not meant to be touched, let alone sat on.
“An irresponsible gesture caused serious damage to Nicola Bolla’s ‘Van Gogh’ chair, a very delicate work, entirely covered in hundreds of Swarovski crystals,” the museum said in a public statement.
Anxious Days Followed the Incident
The aftermath of the accident left museum staff and art conservationists unsure whether the chair could even be repaired.
“We were truly worried it might not be possible to restore it,” museum officials admitted.
Art Restored, But Respect Still Missing
Despite the initial fears, the museum confirmed that the artwork was ultimately saved. Teams of experts and restorers moved swiftly to mend the damage, aided by the facility’s own staff and law enforcement.
“Heartfelt thanks go to the police, our security department and the restorers, whose valuable work allowed the recovery of the work,” the museum noted.
A Call for Respect, Not Just Repairs
Beyond the physical restoration, the museum emphasized a broader message: the importance of respecting art and cultural spaces.
“We share this episode not only for the record, but to start a real awareness campaign on the value of art and the respect it is due,” the statement continued.
As of now, it’s still unclear if the individuals involved have been identified or whether they will face legal repercussions. The museum has not disclosed the cost of the damage or repairs.
