An Italian museum has issued a heartfelt appeal to visitors to "respect art" after a couple was seen in footage breaking a spectacular chair adorned with hundreds of sparkling crystals. The incident took place at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, where a man and woman were captured taking pictures of each other while pretending to sit on the artistic piece, dubbed the "Van Gogh" chair. As the man playfully slipped onto the chair, it collapsed under his weight, causing significant damage. Museum staff reported that the couple fled the scene before the incident could be addressed.
Museum director Vanessa Carlon commented, "Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences." While acknowledging that the collapse might have been accidental, she noted that leaving the museum without an explanation escalates the severity of the situation, describing it as "a nightmare for any museum."
The chair, crafted by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, is a tribute to Vincent van Gogh and is embellished with Swarovski crystals that are carefully machine-cut from polished glass. Due to its unique construction, which includes a hollow frame held together with foil, it’s difficult to estimate the chair's value.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo remarked that the chair was accompanied by a warning note and was displayed on a pedestal, making it clear to patrons that it was not a typical seating option. Although two legs and the main seat were damaged, restoration efforts have since succeeded in returning the chair to its display location.
Since its opening in 2020, Palazzo Maffei has showcased 650 pieces, including works from renowned artists like Picasso as well as artifacts from ancient Egypt. Director Carlon expressed optimism, emphasizing that most visitors show respect for the artwork. She hopes that sharing the incident will not cast a negative shadow over the museum experience but instead encourage a culture of appreciation and care for art, which is often delicate and valuable.
