Introduction
In a shocking incident caught on CCTV, two visitors at the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy, accidentally broke a unique crystal-covered chair inspired by Vincent Van Gogh — and fled the scene. The artwork, known as the “Van Gogh Chair,” was created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and adorned with Swarovski crystals. The piece, though seemingly solid, was fragile and mounted on a pedestal with a visible “Do Not Touch” sign.
How the Incident Unfolded
The museum released security footage dated from April but made public on 12 June 2025, showing a man and woman posing for photos near the artwork. The man appears to lose balance while pretending to sit, crashing into the chair and shattering it. They then swiftly left without notifying museum staff.
“Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture,” said Vanessa Carlon, the museum’s director. “Of course it was an accident, but leaving without informing us — that isn’t.” She described the incident as “a nightmare for any museum.”
The Artwork and Its Fragility
Artist Nicola Bolla designed the chair as a homage to Van Gogh’s iconic painting of a wooden chair. However, Bolla’s version is covered in hundreds of sparkling Swarovski crystals and built using delicate materials like foil and a mostly hollow frame.
According to Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian at the museum, “While it looks sturdy, it was never meant to be sat on. It had a note warning visitors and was clearly displayed on a pedestal.” Despite two broken legs and a shattered seat, Menegazzo confirmed that “a great job has been done” to restore the chair, which is now back on display.
Museum’s Plea: Respect Art
Since opening in 2020, the Palazzo Maffei has housed over 650 works of art, including pieces by Picasso, de Chirico, and ancient Egyptian relics. Carlon emphasized that the majority of guests are respectful, but this case highlights how quickly accidents can become costly and disrespectful acts.
“Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” Carlon said, urging people to treat museums and cultural spaces with care. This aligns with a broader trend of museums dealing with mishandled or damaged artworks due to reckless behavior, often fueled by social media content creation.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The unidentified couple is now under police investigation. Though the act may not have been malicious, fleeing without reporting the damage has raised legal questions. The museum has handed over the footage to authorities, but as of now, the couple has not been located.
The situation echoes a growing concern in the art world about public engagement and etiquette. While museums aim to be accessible and welcoming, incidents like this make it clear that boundaries and basic respect are crucial.
Conclusion
The breaking of the Van Gogh crystal chair at Palazzo Maffei is not just an unfortunate accident — it’s a wake-up call. Whether in Italy, France, or anywhere in the world, art preservation is a shared responsibility. Museums invite us into a space of beauty, history, and imagination. It’s on us, the visitors, to ensure these treasures remain intact for generations.
For more real-world stories about art, museums, and remembrance, check out our coverage of the Leukos Irish shipwreck discovery after 85 years.
