Overview

• In April, a tourist couple sat on Nicola Bolla’s crystal-encrusted “Van Gogh” chair at Verona’s Palazzo Maffei, causing its delicate frame to collapse under weight.
• Palazzo Maffei released security footage on June 12 to highlight the dangers of mishandling cultural artifacts and promote visitor awareness.
• Restorers successfully repaired the chair’s broken legs and seat, and the piece is now back on public display.
• After breaking the chair, the couple fled without informing staff, and the museum has reported the incident to local police while their identities remain unknown.
• The chair, inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s painting and fashioned from hundreds of Swarovski crystals, is part of the museum’s 650-piece collection.