Tourist breaks Van Gogh’s chair for photo

In Italy, a tourist damaged an art object by sitting on it.

A tragic incident occurred in an art gallery in Verona, where a couple of tourists damaged a fragile chair intricately decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals. This work belongs to the contemporary artist Nicola Bolla and is part of the exhibition of the Maffei Palace. The chair, known as the “Van Gogh,” is vulnerable to mechanical impact, and its value at auctions can reach tens of thousands of euros.

Surveillance video shows the couple first waiting for the security guard to leave the hall and then posing next to the work. At first, the man only pretends to sit on the chair but then decides to sit on it completely, which leads to the destruction of the art object. After the incident, the couple tries to quickly leave the premises without reporting the damage.

Museum officials published a video and condemned such behavior of visitors as irresponsible. Fortunately, thanks to the quick response of specialists and the support of law enforcement, the chair was restored to its original appearance. The museum expressed gratitude to the restorers and staff for their work.

Netizens actively discussed the event, expressing indignation at the lack of protection and joy at the successful restoration. The museum urged everyone to treat Art with respect and care, emphasizing: “Art is not just for viewing. It needs to be loved and protected.”