Fact Check: "Similar incident at Palazzo Maffei: tourists shattered artwork posing for a photo!"
What We Know
In April 2025, a significant incident occurred at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy, where a crystal-covered chair inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's famous painting was damaged by two tourists. According to reports, the couple was seen on CCTV footage taking turns posing for photographs with the artwork before the male tourist sat on the chair, resulting in the breaking of its seat and two front legs (CNN, Smithsonian Magazine). The chair, created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, is a modern interpretation of Van Gogh's "Van Gogh's Chair" and is adorned with hundreds of Swarovski crystals (CNN).
The museum's director, Vanessa Carlon, expressed her dismay over the incident, noting that the couple waited for museum staff to leave the room before damaging the artwork. After the incident, the museum reported the matter to the police, although the identities of the individuals involved remain unknown (CNN, New York Times). Fortunately, restorers were able to repair the chair, and it was restored to its original condition (Smithsonian Magazine).
Analysis
The claim that tourists shattered artwork while posing for a photo at Palazzo Maffei is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The incident was widely reported, and the CCTV footage released by the museum corroborates the details of the event (CNN, New York Times). The museum's decision to publish the footage serves not only as a reminder to treat art with respect but also as a means to raise awareness about the responsibilities of museum visitors (Smithsonian Magazine, Luster Magazine).
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets, including CNN and the New York Times, both of which have established credibility in reporting on cultural and artistic matters. The incident has also been covered by the Smithsonian Magazine, which adds an additional layer of reliability due to its focus on arts and culture (Smithsonian Magazine). The consistent reporting across these sources indicates a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the details surrounding the incident.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that tourists shattered artwork while posing for a photo at Palazzo Maffei is accurate. The incident involved a couple damaging a crystal-covered chair inspired by Van Gogh's work, and the details have been confirmed by multiple credible sources. The museum's response and subsequent restoration of the artwork further validate the occurrence of this event.
Sources
- Visitors Break Crystal Chair in Sit-and-Run at Italian Museum
- Cordon rideau au meilleur prix - Leroy Merlin
- Verona museum shows moment visitor broke artwork by sitting on it - CNN
- Amazon.fr : Cordon De Rideau
- Museumgoers Accidentally Break Fragile Crystal-Covered Chair Inspired ...
- Accessoires pour rideaux - Ma Petite Mercerie
- Tourist Wrecks $50K "Van Gogh Chair" - Luster Magazine
- Rails rideaux et accessoires | artapisserie.fr
