The Palazzo Maffei museum, located in the historic city of Verona, Italy, has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to 'respect art' following an incident that has raised alarms about the behavior of some visitors. This call to action comes after a visitor was captured on CCTV breaking a striking chair adorned with shimmering Swarovski crystals, an artwork created by the renowned Italian artist Nicola Bolla.

The incident occurred in April, but it was only recently that the museum chose to release the CCTV footage on its social media platforms, revealing the shocking moments leading up to the damage. The video depicts a man taking a photograph of a woman who is pretending to sit on the artwork, known as the 'Van Gogh' chair, before he decides to sit on it himself. The chair, which is an artistic tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s 1888 painting 'Van Gogh’s Chair,' collapses under his weight, causing him to stagger backward and stumble against the wall. In a panic, the couple flees the scene shortly after the chair breaks.

Palazzo Maffei officials have confirmed that the pair departed before museum staff could address the situation, and the police have been notified as the two individuals remain unidentified. The museum's director, Vanessa Carlon, expressed her dismay, stating, “Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don’t think about the consequences. Of course, it was an accident, but these two people left without speaking to us—that isn’t an accident. This is a nightmare for any museum.”

Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo, who works at Palazzo Maffei, further explained the nature of the chair. It was made using polished, machine-cut glass and adorned with crystals, but it is not merely a functional seat; it is a delicate piece of art that was clearly marked with a warning note advising visitors not to touch it. The artwork was displayed on a pedestal, emphasizing its status as an exhibit rather than a practical chair. Despite its appearance, the chair is hollow and held together with foil, making it even more fragile than it seems.

Fortunately, the artwork has since been restored and is back on view, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty once again. Palazzo Maffei, which opened its doors five years ago, boasts a diverse collection that includes works by Pablo Picasso, along with ancient Egyptian artifacts. Carlon hopes that this unfortunate incident will serve as a catalyst for a greater appreciation of art among museum-goers. She emphasized, “Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile.”