Van Gogh Chair Break: Italy Museum Plea
- The Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy, is appealing to the public to show greater respect for art after a couple damaged a chair adorned with hundreds of crystals.
- Museum officials said the couple left the premises before staff could address the situation.
- The crystal chair, a tribute to Vincent van Gogh, was created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla.
In Verona,Italy,Palazzo Maffei is imploring visitors to treat art with greater respect after a couple damaged a crystal-covered chair,a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. The incident, caught on tape, depicts a man slipping and falling while posing for a photo, resulting in damage to this art piece. Museum officials stated the couple departed before they could address the situation and have since notified the police. The chair, designed by artist Nicola Bolla, has been restored and is back on display.The museum, housing 650 works, seeks to reinforce the importance of respecting art and preserving cultural heritage to visitors. News Directory 3 brings you the latest updates. Discover what’s next for the Palazzo Maffei.
Italian Museum Asks for Respect After Crystal Chair Incident
Updated June 14, 2025
The Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy, is appealing to the public to show greater respect for art after a couple damaged a chair adorned with hundreds of crystals. The incident, captured on video, shows the pair posing for pictures with the “Van Gogh” chair before a man seemingly slipped and fell, crushing the artwork.
Museum officials said the couple left the premises before staff could address the situation. Police have been notified.
The crystal chair, a tribute to Vincent van Gogh, was created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla. the museum declined to estimate its value. Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo noted the chair’s delicate construction, explaining that its frame is largely hollow.
Despite a warning sign and its placement on a pedestal, the incident occurred in April. The museum released the footage June 12.
Menegazzo said the damage, which included two broken legs and a damaged seat, has been repaired. The restored piece is back on display.
The palazzo Maffei,which opened in 2020,houses 650 works,including pieces by Picasso and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Museum director Vanessa Carlon expressed hope that the incident would not deter visitors but instead encourage more mindful engagement with art.
“Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don’t think about the consequences,” Carlon said. “Art must be respected and loved as it is indeed very fragile.”
What’s next
The Palazzo Maffei plans to review its security measures and reinforce its message of respect for art to prevent similar incidents in the future. The museum hopes visitors will appreciate the importance of preserving cultural heritage.