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Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Shocking moment tourist shatters ‘Van Gogh' chair while posing for photos
A tourist has caused significant damage to a delicate crystal-covered chair at an art museum in Verona, Italy, prompting a plea from the venue for visitors to 'respect art.' The incident occurred at Palazzo Maffei, where the artwork – known as the 'Van Gogh' chair – was on display. Designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, the chair was encrusted with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW Tourist shatters 'Van Gogh' chair. Pic: Palazzo Maffei Verona/Facebook Surveillance footage captured a couple waiting until a security guard left the room before approaching the artwork. The woman appeared to pose beside it while the man sat down, causing the fragile piece to shatter under his weight. The pair quickly fled the scene, leaving the chair in pieces. Palazzo Maffei shared the footage on Facebook, calling the act an 'irresponsible gesture' and describing the event as 'every museum's nightmare come true.' In their post, museum staff explained: 'While waiting for the surveillance officers to step away, some visitors took what they considered a 'cool' photo. The result? Serious damage to Nicola Bolla's 'Van Gogh' chair – a very delicate work entirely covered in Swarovski crystals.' Initially unsure whether restoration was even possible, the museum later confirmed the chair had been successfully repaired. They added: 'A heartfelt thank you goes to the police, our security team, and the restorers whose expert work brought the piece back to life.' 'And to all who walk our halls every day with care and wonder, thank you. Because art isn't just for viewing. It's for loving. It's for protecting.'
9 News
2 days ago
- 9 News
Idiot tourists sit on and break 'delicate' Van Gogh chair in Italian museum
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Two tourists have been caught on CCTV sitting on and breaking a "very delicate" art piece at an Italian museum. The "Van Gogh" chair covered in Swarovski crystals, made by artist Nicola Bolla, was displayed in Verona's Palazzo Maffei Museum. It was destroyed when a male tourist tried to sit on the chair, breaking it immediately. Idiot tourist break Van Gogh art chair at Palazzo Maffei. (Instagram) Another female tourist, appearing to be his partner, stood by taking photos while the man broke the chair. The museum released the video footage of the incident, condemning the actions of the pair. "Disrespectful behaviour has put the integrity of a work of art at risk: the 'Van Gogh' chair by the artist Nicola Bolla was damaged by some visitors," the museum said on Instagram. "[They were] waiting for the security personnel to leave, chose to take a 'spectacular' photo, ignoring every rule of respect for art and cultural heritage." Idiot tourist break Van Gogh art chair at Palazzo Maffei. (Nine) The chair covered in Swarovski crystals, made by artist Nicola Bolla, was in Verona, Italy's Palazzo Maffei Museum. (Facebook: Palazzo Maffei Verona) In another post to Facebook, the museum said they were able to fix the chair after days of not knowing whether the piece could be saved. "We are sharing this episode not only for the record, but to start a real awareness campaign on the value of art and the respect it deserves," the post read. "A heartfelt thanks goes to the police, our security department and the restorers, whose precious work allowed the work to be recovered." It's not clear if the pair were found following the incident. CONTACT US
