Museum calls for respect after art piece is damaged in viral incident

A museum in northern Italy has appealed for greater respect toward artworks after a couple accidentally damaged a crystal-covered chair while taking photos.

Security footage from the Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo shows the pair engaging in a playful photo session with the “Van Gogh” chair, a glittering sculpture by Italian artist Nicola Bolla adorned with Swarovski crystals. The man appears to lose his balance and fall onto the chair, breaking it. Both individuals then left the museum without reporting the incident.

Museum officials confirmed the damage occurred in April but released the video only this week to emphasize the importance of museum etiquette. Though described as an accident, the decision to leave without informing staff drew criticism.

“Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” said museum director Vanessa Carlon, who added that while most visitors are respectful, this case serves as a reminder to treat cultural spaces with care.

Despite the damage — which affected the seat and two legs — the museum’s team has since restored the chair, and it is now back on display.

The “Van Gogh” chair is part of the museum’s contemporary collection and was inspired by the famous Dutch painter’s depiction of a simple wooden chair. Though the piece’s value was not disclosed, its intricate construction, including a foil-supported frame and hundreds of crystals, makes it delicate.

Palazzo Maffei opened in 2020 and houses more than 600 pieces of art spanning centuries, including works by Picasso and relics from ancient civilizations.

Authorities have been notified, and the search for the unidentified visitors continues.