Art must be respected! What happened
WHAT HAPPENED AT PALAZZO MAFFEI
“It would be ridiculous—if it hadn’t actually happened. A museum’s worst nightmare.”
With these words begins the social media post by the director of Palazzo Maffei in Verona, revealing an incident that took place at the museum in recent weeks.
Two tourists, having waited for the room’s security staff to step out, acted irresponsibly in an attempt to take a dramatic photo. In doing so, they severely damaged a delicate artwork by artist Nicola Bolla (Saluzzo, 1963): the “Van Gogh” chair, composed of hundreds of Swarovski crystals, which shattered before their eyes.
The museum’s decision to share footage of the incident is not merely an act of informing or condemning. Rather, Palazzo Maffei aims to transform this unfortunate event into an opportunity for reflection—raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the fragility of art and the need to care for it. Art is meant to be loved and enjoyed—but above all, it must be respected.
This is the message and invitation from director Vanessa Carlon, who expresses gratitude to the many visitors who cross the threshold of Palazzo Maffei each day with passion and respect.