In April, at the Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo in Verona, Italy, a dazzling but fragile art installation met a dramatic end. The piece, titled the Van Gogh Chair, was created by contemporary artist Nicola Bolla between 2006 and 2007. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic 1888 wooden chair, Bolla’s version was encrusted with hundreds of Swarovski crystals, transforming the humble form into a shimmering contemporary homage.
Security camera footage captured the moment a man and his companion entered the gallery. After the woman posed near the piece, the man sat down directly on the crystal-covered chair, which was clearly not meant to be used. The structure collapsed instantly—at least two legs and the seat snapped under his weight. Steadying himself against a nearby wall, the man quickly fled the scene with his partner, without reporting the damage.
Vanessa Carlon, director of the museum, condemned the act as “an irresponsible gesture,” noting that the couple had waited for security to leave the room before proceeding. The museum later wrote on social media, “Every museum’s nightmare has become reality,” using the incident to emphasize the fragility of the works in their care and the need for public respect toward cultural objects.
Fortunately, the museum’s conservation team, in collaboration with police and restoration specialists, was able to fully restore the chair. The museum expressed heartfelt gratitude to all involved in the recovery process and used the opportunity to launch an awareness campaign reminding visitors that art is not only to be admired, but also to be protected.
This incident reflects a troubling global pattern of cultural damage caused by tourists seeking the perfect photo. From ancient temples to modern installations, museums and heritage sites are increasingly vulnerable to impulsive behavior in the age of social media. The shattered crystal chair now stands as both a cautionary tale and a restored symbol of the delicate boundary between admiration and destruction.
Watch the full video of the incident below: