A reckless tourist has sparked outrage after damaging a valuable art installation at the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy. The artwork, a delicate Swarovski crystal-covered chair inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s work, collapsed when the man sat on it to pose for a photo.
Security footage shows the male tourist ignoring clear signage and sitting on the crystal-encrusted chair, despite its obvious fragility and artistic value. His attempt to steady himself by grabbing a nearby wall failed, causing the chair to give way under his weight. A female companion, who had previously only pretended to sit, rushed to help him. The pair then fled the scene before museum staff could intervene.
The museum swiftly condemned the act, calling the behavior “superficial” and “disrespectful.” In a public statement on social media, museum staff emphasized, “They ignored every rule of respect for art and cultural heritage,” also noting that the couple had deliberately waited for the room to clear before proceeding with their stunt. 
The damaged piece, known as the “Van Gogh” chair, was created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla. It was one of the central attractions of the exhibition, covered entirely in Swarovski crystals and inspired by Van Gogh’s art. The chair’s shimmering surface and artistic significance made it a standout feature in the museum’s collection.
Initially, the museum was unsure whether the chair could be repaired. However, just days later, staff confirmed that the restoration had been successful. “For days we didn’t know if it would be possible to restore it. But we did it,” said a museum representative in a Facebook update. They also thanked the police, security team, and restorers for their quick and meticulous work in bringing the installation back to life.
The cost of the restoration has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the couple responsible will face financial consequences or legal action.
The incident has reignited debates over tourist behavior in cultural spaces and the need for stricter enforcement of museum etiquette.
