At the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy, an artwork was damaged when a visitor sat on it while trying to take a photo. The piece, called the “Van Gogh Chair,” was created by artist Nicola Bolla. It was made to look like the simple wooden chair seen in Van Gogh’s famous 1888 painting, but it was covered completely in Swarovski crystals—clearly meant to be admired, not used.

Security cameras showed a couple approaching the chair after waiting for a guard to leave the gallery. The woman posed near it while the man sat down on it for a picture. The chair immediately broke under his weight, its legs snapping and the seat caving in. Rather than tell museum staff, the couple left the scene quietly.

The museum later released the footage online, calling the incident an opportunity to raise awareness about how people interact with art. The video quickly gained attention on social media, with many viewers criticizing the visitors’ behavior and some also questioning how the museum allowed it to happen in the first place.

Fortunately, the damage was not permanent. Skilled restorers were able to repair the chair, and it was returned to display a few weeks later.

The Artist’s Reaction

Nicola Bolla, the artist who created the piece, said he was frustrated but also saw something meaningful in what had happened. He called the act “idiotic but also a performance”—a strange, unplanned moment that revealed something about people’s habits in modern museums.

Bolla explained that the artwork was meant to look fragile and precious. Covering a simple chair in sparkling crystals was a way to contrast everyday objects with luxury and light. The chair wasn’t just about beauty—it was about how we treat things that look valuable. Ironically, the person who broke it didn’t seem to consider that at all.

Why Did This Happen?

Incidents like this are becoming more common in museums and galleries. As more people try to take pictures and post their visits on social media, some lose sight of basic rules. Experts say that many visitors now see art as a backdrop for selfies rather than something to appreciate on its own terms.

There have been other recent cases where visitors damaged artworks while trying to get closer for a photo or accidentally bumped into pieces they weren’t supposed to touch. These situations have raised questions about whether museums need better safeguards and whether visitors need better education about museum etiquette.

Who’s Responsible?

Some believe the visitors were clearly in the wrong. Sitting on any artwork—especially one made of crystals—should be obviously off-limits. But others say the museum shares some of the blame. There were no signs warning people not to sit on the chair, no rope or barrier around it, and no guard present in the gallery at the time.

Museum security expert Alberto Velasco said the museum could have done more to prevent the damage. In his view, security should be proactive, not reactive. It’s not enough to rely on people’s common sense when displaying delicate and valuable works of art.

The museum responded by saying it is reviewing its procedures and hopes this incident helps people better understand the importance of respecting art.

Lessons Learned

This incident brings up a few key lessons for museums and the public:

• Not all art is interactive: Just because something looks like a chair doesn’t mean it’s meant to be used. Artists often recreate everyday objects to make people think—not to invite them to sit down.
• Museums need to adapt: As public behavior changes, institutions have to rethink how they protect art. That might mean clearer signs, more barriers, better training for staff, or even tech solutions like motion sensors.
• Visitors have a role to play: Everyone who walks into a museum has a responsibility. That includes not touching art, following the rules, and showing respect—not just for the artwork, but for the artist and other visitors.

In the End

Despite the damage, there’s a silver lining. The chair was carefully restored and put back on display. The museum called it a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the care and effort that goes into preserving culture.

The chair now has a new story—one that includes its accident and recovery. And maybe that story will help other visitors think twice before they treat a museum like a photo booth.

This wasn’t just about one broken artwork. It was about how we value culture, how we behave in public spaces, and how easily something beautiful can be lost—if we’re not careful.

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