In a bid to protect cultural heritage, the museum releases footage of an accidental breakage, emphasizing the need for careful behavior amongst art enthusiasts.
**Museum Appeals for Respect After Crystal Chair Incident**
**Museum Appeals for Respect After Crystal Chair Incident**
The Palazzo Maffei in Verona urges visitors to value art following a viral incident involving a broken artwork chair covered in crystals.
In an unusual incident at Palazzo Maffei, an Italian museum, an artwork chair adorned with hundreds of sparkling crystals was broken, prompting a call from officials for visitors to “respect art.” The chair, designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and named after the renowned Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, features a hollow frame and is embellished with Swarovski crystals.
The incident occurred back in April when footage released by the museum showcased a couple taking selfies while pretending to sit on the fragile chair. The chair suffered considerable damage when the man slipped and fell onto it, leaving it broken and rendering it unfit for display. After the incident, the couple quickly left the museum before staff could address the situation, leading to the museum’s notification of the police to help identify the individuals.
Vanessa Carlon, the museum's director, expressed frustration at the couple's hasty departure, labeling it not just an accident but also a disrespectful act. “Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences,” Carlon reflected, acknowledging that while the incident was unintentional, the couple's exit without communication was concerning.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo, who works at Palazzo Maffei, highlighted that despite the chair's stylish appearance, it was not as durable as it seemed, being primarily constructed from a hollow structure. A warning note had been placed on the chair and it was elevated on a pedestal, clearly indicating that it was not meant for sitting.
Despite the unfortunate event, the museum restored the chair, which is now back on display. Carlon affirmed that the majority of patrons behave thoughtfully and expressed a hope that the incident would not cast a negative shadow on the museum. She emphasized the importance of entering art spaces with respect and care, reflecting on the inherent fragility of art. “Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” she noted solemnly.
Palazzo Maffei, inaugurated in 2020, features a diverse array of artworks, including pieces from renowned artists like Picasso and artifacts from ancient Egypt, aiming to foster appreciation for art in all its forms.
The incident occurred back in April when footage released by the museum showcased a couple taking selfies while pretending to sit on the fragile chair. The chair suffered considerable damage when the man slipped and fell onto it, leaving it broken and rendering it unfit for display. After the incident, the couple quickly left the museum before staff could address the situation, leading to the museum’s notification of the police to help identify the individuals.
Vanessa Carlon, the museum's director, expressed frustration at the couple's hasty departure, labeling it not just an accident but also a disrespectful act. “Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences,” Carlon reflected, acknowledging that while the incident was unintentional, the couple's exit without communication was concerning.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo, who works at Palazzo Maffei, highlighted that despite the chair's stylish appearance, it was not as durable as it seemed, being primarily constructed from a hollow structure. A warning note had been placed on the chair and it was elevated on a pedestal, clearly indicating that it was not meant for sitting.
Despite the unfortunate event, the museum restored the chair, which is now back on display. Carlon affirmed that the majority of patrons behave thoughtfully and expressed a hope that the incident would not cast a negative shadow on the museum. She emphasized the importance of entering art spaces with respect and care, reflecting on the inherent fragility of art. “Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile,” she noted solemnly.
Palazzo Maffei, inaugurated in 2020, features a diverse array of artworks, including pieces from renowned artists like Picasso and artifacts from ancient Egypt, aiming to foster appreciation for art in all its forms.
