Two tourists who damaged a ‘Van Gogh’ style chair could find themselves facing significant penalties if they are apprehended by authorities.
This incident occurred in Italy, where a pair of tourists have drawn online criticism after a video surfaced showing them damaging a chair at Palazzo Maffei Verona.
Despite clear signage indicating that the chair was part of the exhibit and the general museum etiquette of observing rather than touching, the duo decided to interact closely with the artwork.
The chair, covered in Swarovski crystals and crafted by Nicola Bolla, is reminiscent of the one seen in Van Gogh’s famous 1888 painting and was situated in one of the museum’s rooms.
The incident unfolded as the couple posed for photographs, with the woman initially perching on the chair before the man sat on it, causing it to break.
Following the mishap, the unidentified tourists hastily exited the room and the museum before staff noticed the damage, as reported by officials.
Their actions were recorded on CCTV, and the museum subsequently shared the footage on social media, using the incident to encourage ‘reflection and public awareness’ about respecting art.
Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian at the museum, explained to the BBC that there was a ‘note warning people not to touch, and of course it is placed on a pedestal,’ emphasizing: “So it’s quite clear it’s not a real chair.”
Online reactions were largely critical, with many commenters voicing that the couple should ‘pay for the damage’.
While the museum hasn’t specified the potential fine for the couple, they could face substantial penalties if identified, as suggested by an insurance expert.
Laura Court-Jones from Bionic’s insurance team told UNILAD that disregarding ‘don’t touch’ guidelines in museums can lead to ‘real consequences’.
“These can range from warnings to serious legal and financial penalties, depending on the severity of the act and the value of the object involved,” she noted.
“In countries with strict cultural heritage protection laws (such as Italy), damaging museum property can result in substantial fines (sometimes tens of thousands of euros) and, in serious cases, criminal charges, including possible imprisonment.”
Court-Jones mentioned that under Italian law, the tourists might face a hefty penalty of up to $50,000, along with responsibility for restoration expenses.
The chair’s main seat and two legs suffered damage but have since been restored.
Vanessa Carlon, the museum’s director, informed the BBC that she hoped the incident would emphasize that ‘anyone should enter art places, or museums or churches, wherever art is displayed, in a more respectful way’.
“Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” she stated.
UNILAD has reached out to Palazzo Maffei Verona for additional comments and detailed information on potential charges or fines facing the couple.