A shocking incident happened at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, when a disrespectful tourist decided to sit on an piece of art – the “Van Gogh”. The chair with Swarovski crystalst broke beneath him. Read more in the article below.
A Planned Photo Opp Turns Disastrous
Security cameras captured the moment both tourists entered the gallery. The woman merely leaned carefully to simulate a sitting pose for a photo. The man, however, took it a step further. He waited for security personnel to be out of sight, sat on the crystal‐encrusted chair, and the chair promptly collapsed under his weight, causing crystal shards to scatter and the frame to cave in—a dramatic and entirely avoidable mishap.
Swift Escape, Immediate Outrage
Once the chair broke, the man lost his balance, desperately clutching at the wall to avoid falling. His companion rushed to assist him as they hastily exited the exhibit without alerting museum staff. The couple’s quick departure only fueled public anger, with many condemning the pair’s disregard for cultural heritage and deeming the act “superficial” and “disrespectful”.
Museum Responds: Nightmare Scenario
Palazzo Maffei described the incident as “every museum’s nightmare” in a forceful social media statement. Officials asserted that the tourists deliberately waited until no security guards were present before attempting the ill-fated photo. They lamented that visitors who treat artworks as mere props demonstrate a blatant disrespect for artistic integrity and cultural legacy.
Restoration Success Offers Hope
For several tense days, museum staff and the public wondered if the “Van Gogh” chair could ever be restored. Fortunately, a dedicated team of restorers, supported by museum security and police, completed a successful salvage operation. Thanks to their expertise and hard work, the chair has now been restored to its original splendor—a small victory after what initially seemed a total loss.
Social Media Outcry
The incident quickly went viral, sparking fury across social media. Online commentators expressed disbelief at the couple’s carelessness. One user lamented, “They even got away. There are no words,” while another thundered, “So much ignorance, this is unacceptable!”. A more reflective voice added: “Unfortunately too many people enter museums just for a shot to post on social media… not because they have a real interest in art and culture.”
Museum Launches Awareness Campaign
In the wake of the incident, Palazzo Maffei has resolved to raise awareness about the need to treat art with respect. The museum’s posts stressed that art is meant to be “loved and protected”—not used as a backdrop for careless selfies. They also sent a “heartfelt thank you” to police officers, security staff, and restorers for their collaborative efforts in both the chair’s recovery and the overall investigation.
Accountability Still Undetermined
As of now, the museum has not disclosed whether it has identified the culprits or will pursue legal or financial accountability. There’s no word on whether visitors will be required to reimburse the restoration costs − but public pressure suggests that the couple may soon face consequences.
Broader Context: A Disturbing Trend
This isn’t an isolated event: just last month, tourists in Xi’an, China, damaged priceless Terracotta Army statues in a similar episode of gallery disrespect. Such incidents underscore a worrying pattern of tourists prioritizing viral content over cultural stewardship.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that artwork is not a prop, and cultural heritage deserves mindfulness—not just for our protection but also for the legacy we pass on. Travel responsibly. Respectfully. Always.
