Tourist Shocks Museumgoers
Two tourists damaged an artwork at Palazzo Maffei Verona by sitting on it. The piece, called Van Gogh’s chair, is a Swarovski crystal-covered chair by Nicola Bolla inspired by Van Gogh’s 1888 painting. CCTV showed the couple posing on the chair; the man then sat on it, causing it to shatter. The museum shared footage with blurred faces and called it “An irresponsible gesture at Palazzo Maffei.” They said, “art must be admired, experienced, but above all respected. Always.” Online, people condemned the act, with one saying, “They should be identified and punished for the damage caused.”
