Van Gogh Crystal Chair Shattered After Museum Visitor Sat on It
Light House Denver – The Van Gogh Chair, one of the iconic art pieces at Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy, was damaged due to irresponsible visitor behavior. The crystal chair, created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, was destroyed after it was used as a photo prop by a couple visiting the museum.
CCTV footage from the museum shows a man and a woman posing with the chair. The woman pretended to sit on it and managed to do so without incident. However, when the man took his turn, he appeared to slip and fell onto the chair, crushing it under his weight.
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The couple quickly left the scene before museum staff realized what had happened. The incident has been reported to the police, although the identities of the two individuals remain unknown.
Museum director Vanessa Carlon expressed her disappointment over the incident. “Sometimes we lose our minds just for a photo, without thinking of the consequences,” she said.
Although Carlon acknowledged that the fall may have been accidental, she emphasized that the couple’s decision to flee made the situation more serious. “They left without speaking to us, that’s no longer just an accident. This is a nightmare for any museum,” she added.
The crystal chair was adorned with Swarovski crystals made of machine-cut, polished glass. It was named the Van Gogh Chair as a tribute to the Dutch artist’s famous painting, Chair, which depicts a simple wooden seat.
When asked about the value of the artwork, the museum declined to comment, suggesting it is considered part of a priceless collection.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo explained that the chair appeared sturdy at first glance. However, its structure was mostly hollow and made from aluminum foil. “There was a note clearly warning people not to touch it, and it was placed on a pedestal, it should’ve been obvious that it wasn’t meant to be sat on,” she stated.
Opened in 2020, Palazzo Maffei showcases more than 650 artworks, including paintings by Picasso and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Carlon noted that most visitors behave respectfully and appreciate the art.
“Art must be respected and cherished because it is incredibly fragile. We hope this incident serves as a lesson, not a viral moment that harms the museum’s reputation,” she concluded.
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