Tourists Break Artistic Crystal Chair During Photo Op in Italian Museum

Tue Oct 14 2025 23:58:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A pair of tourists inadvertently damaged an exquisite crystal chair at the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona while attempting to capture a memorable photograph.

In a surprising turn of events, a man and woman visiting the Palazzo Maffei museum recently caused damage to a unique chair embellished with Swarovski crystals while trying to pose for a picture. As seen in the released security footage, the gentleman lost his balance and sat down on the fragile artwork, breaking it in the process. Museum officials have stated that they view the incident as an unfortunate accident and are hopeful the visitors will come forward to own up to their actions. With authorities still working to identify the pair, museum director Vanessa Carlon emphasized the need for visitors to respect art rather than prioritize social media moments.

The museum's CCTV footage showcased the couple’s attempt to capture a quirky photo by squatting over the glamorous chair, inspired by a famous Vincent van Gogh painting. However, when the man briefly lost his grip and sat down, the chair couldn’t withstand the pressure, leading to irreversible damage. Shortly after the incident, the couple swiftly exited the museum, prompting authorities to investigate the matter. Although considered an accident, museum representatives hope that this incident will prompt a broader conversation about respecting art and the lengths individuals might go to achieve viral fame.

“People sometimes forget that these are artworks, not props,” Carlon remarked, expressing her concerns about the risks taken for social media exposure. As the museum seeks to trace the individuals responsible for the damage, the public remains engaged and curious about how the situation will unfold.