A couple broke a crystal-covered chair artwork at Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy, after sitting on the exhibit while taking photographs.
The incident occurred in April 2025, with the museum releasing CCTV footage on 12 Jun 2025.
Visitors Damage Swarovski Crystal Art Piece at Palazzo Maffei
The chair, created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, serves as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s painting of a simple chair. The artwork features hundreds of Swarovski crystals made from polished, machine-cut glass covering its surface.
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Museum footage shows the pair initially taking pictures while pretending to sit on the chair without making contact.
The man then appears to slip and fall onto the exhibit, crushing it beneath him.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo, based at Palazzo Maffei, explained that the chair’s frame is mostly hollow and held together with foil despite appearing sturdy. A warning note on the chair instructed visitors not to touch the piece, and it was displayed on a pedestal.
The incident damaged two legs and the main seat of the artwork.
Museum staff have since completed restoration work, and the piece has returned to its display position.
Museum Calls for Greater Respect After Couple Flees Scene
The couple left the museum without informing staff about the damage. Museum director Vanessa Carlon described their departure as deliberate rather than accidental.
“Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don’t think about the consequences,” Carlon said. “Of course it was an accident, but these two people left without speaking to us – that isn’t an accident. This is a nightmare for any museum.”
Museum officials have notified police about the incident. The couple has not been identified by authorities.
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Palazzo Maffei declined to provide an estimate of the artwork’s value when contacted. The museum, which opened in 2020, displays 650 pieces including works by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art.
Carlon emphasized that most visitors behave considerately and hopes the CCTV footage release will not create negative publicity. She called for visitors to enter art spaces, museums, and churches with greater respect.
“Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” she added.
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