An incident at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona highlights a concerning trend in museum etiquette, after a couple unintentionally broke an artwork chair embedded with hundreds of Swarovski crystals during a photo-taking spree. The museum's director voiced her dismay over the event, urging visitors to respect artistic creations while the damaged chair was successfully restored.
Museum Calls for Respect After Crystal Chair is Accidentally Broken
Museum Calls for Respect After Crystal Chair is Accidentally Broken
In a plea for reverence towards art, an Italian museum responds to a couple's mishap that left a crystal-covered chair damaged.
The Palazzo Maffei Museum in Verona recently made headlines when surveillance footage revealed a couple damaging a spectacular chair bedecked with Swarovski crystals while trying to capture the perfect photo. The man, attempting to sit on the so-called "Van Gogh" chair, fell onto it, resulting in two broken legs and a shattered seat. Although the incident occurred back in April, the museum chose to address the situation publicly by releasing the footage on June 12, stating their distress over the couple fleeing the scene without acknowledgment.
Museum director Vanessa Carlon expressed her disappointment, noting that while accidents happen, the couple's departure without a word exacerbated the situation. "Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture and don't think about the consequences," Carlon remarked. The luxury chair, crafted by artist Nicola Bolla, pays homage to Vincent van Gogh and is primarily made of hollow materials, designed to seem sturdy while bearing the conscious note discouraging touch.
Following the incident, the museum contacted the authorities to identify the individuals involved. Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian at the museum, underscored the importance of care and respect in handling art. Although the chair was damaged, Menegazzo noted that restoration efforts were successful, and it has now been returned to its rightful position.
The Palazzo Maffei, which opened its doors in 2020, boasts an extensive 650-piece collection that includes masterpieces from artists like Picasso as well as antiquities from Egyptian civilization. While the museum acknowledges that the majority of its visitors show proper respect, Carlon hopes that this incident will serve as a reminder: “Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile.” She emphasized that respectful behavior is essential in spaces dedicated to art, inviting patrons to instead choose admiration over recklessness.
Museum director Vanessa Carlon expressed her disappointment, noting that while accidents happen, the couple's departure without a word exacerbated the situation. "Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture and don't think about the consequences," Carlon remarked. The luxury chair, crafted by artist Nicola Bolla, pays homage to Vincent van Gogh and is primarily made of hollow materials, designed to seem sturdy while bearing the conscious note discouraging touch.
Following the incident, the museum contacted the authorities to identify the individuals involved. Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian at the museum, underscored the importance of care and respect in handling art. Although the chair was damaged, Menegazzo noted that restoration efforts were successful, and it has now been returned to its rightful position.
The Palazzo Maffei, which opened its doors in 2020, boasts an extensive 650-piece collection that includes masterpieces from artists like Picasso as well as antiquities from Egyptian civilization. While the museum acknowledges that the majority of its visitors show proper respect, Carlon hopes that this incident will serve as a reminder: “Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile.” She emphasized that respectful behavior is essential in spaces dedicated to art, inviting patrons to instead choose admiration over recklessness.
