Swarovski-encrusted Van Gogh chair shattered in Verona museum by tourists’ stunt

A tourist’s reckless act at Verona’s Palazzo Maffei museum in Italy has sparked outrage after he shattered a delicate art installation by sitting on it for a photo. The artwork, known as the “Van Gogh” chair, is a fragile creation by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, entirely encrusted with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting depicting a simple chair, the piece was considered a centerpiece of the exhibit and symbolized intricate craftsmanship and artistic heritage.

image: palazzomaffei/facebook

Security footage from the museum shows the man ignoring clear warnings not to touch the exhibit. While his female companion only pretended to sit on the chair, he fully sat on it, causing the fragile structure to collapse under his weight. As he lost balance, he grabbed a nearby wall for support before the chair gave way completely. The woman helped him up, and the couple fled the scene without informing museum staff about the damage.The museum condemned the act as “superficial” and “disrespectful,” highlighting that the tourists deliberately waited for the room to be empty before attempting the stunt. Museum director Vanessa Carlon described the incident as “distressing,” emphasizing that while the damage was inadvertent, fleeing without notifying authorities was unacceptable.

Initially, there were fears the chair might be beyond repair. However, restoration experts successfully restored the artwork, with the museum expressing gratitude to law enforcement, security personnel, and restorers for their efforts. The cost of repairs and whether the tourists will face consequences remain undisclosed.

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The incident has ignited a broader conversation about respect for art and cultural heritage, with many online commentators criticizing the growing trend of prioritizing social media photo opportunities over genuine appreciation of art. The Palazzo Maffei museum’s public sharing of the footage serves as a cautionary tale urging visitors to honor and protect priceless cultural artifacts.

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