Key points to remember

• The incident was caught on camera: the man accidentally sat on a piece of art.

• The "Van Gogh chair" is a fragile sculpture made of Swarovski crystals.

• The work was damaged , but could be completely restored .

• The museum calls for respect for artistic heritage .

• The event highlights the excesses of selfie-centric tourism .

One selfie too many in an Italian museum: the fragility of art put to the test by social networks

The Palazzo Maffei, a famous museum located in Verona , Italy, was recently the scene of a surprising and unfortunate incident. A tourist , while trying to take a simple souvenir photo, accidentally destroyed one of the most iconic pieces of the exhibition: the "Van Gogh chair" , an artistic sculpture covered in Swarovski crystals, the work of Nicola Bolla .

The incident filmed: the chair collapses under the weight of the visitor

In a video published by the Casa Museo Palazzo Maffei , a couple is seen taking photos in the exhibition hall. The woman first mimes a sitting position without any real contact, while the man, trying to imitate his partner, loses his balance and actually sits on the chair. A few seconds later, it collapses , causing the couple to be stunned... and immediately flee.

The piece of furniture was not an ordinary chair but an ultra-fragile contemporary sculpture , inspired by the paintings of Vincent van Gogh , notably The Bedroom in Arles . It symbolized the artist's spirit and his intimate universe.

A precious… and fragile work

The "Van Gogh Chair" was an art installation made of Swarovski crystals , designed to be viewed, not used. It represented a dialogue between classical art and contemporary design, while paying homage to the famous post-impressionist painter. According to the museum, the work is estimated to be worth tens of thousands of euros .

Restoration and message from the museum

Fortunately, the museum team, with the help of conservation experts, was able to restore the chair to its original integrity . Palazzo Maffei issued a statement saying the work "shines once again as before," while calling for collective awareness .

"This kind of behavior endangers the world's artistic heritage. Art is not a backdrop for selfies. It deserves to be viewed with attention and respect."

Museums, social media and visitor responsibility

This episode once again raises the question of visitor behavior in museums in the digital age. With the rise of "image tourism," museums are facing a growing tension between accessibility, sharing, and preservation . The "Van Gogh chair" affair is a reminder that a single, poorly thought-out photo can cause considerable damage.

FAQ

Where did the incident take place?

At Palazzo Maffei , a museum of modern and ancient art located in Verona , Italy.

What is the "Van Gogh chair"?

It is a contemporary work by Nicola Bolla , inspired by Van Gogh's chair painted in The Bedroom in Arles . It is covered with Swarovski crystals .

Has the work been lost?

No. The museum team has confirmed that the chair has been successfully restored and returned to display.

Is it common for works of art to be damaged in museums?

Increasingly, incidents are occurring in museums around the world, often related to inappropriate photo poses or thoughtless behavior.