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Verona Museum Restores Swarovski-Encrusted ‘Van Gogh’ Chair Damaged by Tourists

The successful repair by restorers working with police has fueled public demands for the unidentified tourists to face accountability.

The museum publicly condemned the incident, describing the tourists’ actions as “superficial.
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Overview

  • CCTV footage showed a man sitting on Nicola Bolla’s delicate ‘Van Gogh’ chair at Palazzo Maffei, causing it to buckle under the weight and break as he and a companion fled.
  • The exhibit piece, covered in hundreds of Swarovski crystals and built on a fragile inner structure, was initially feared irreparable by museum staff.
  • Palazzo Maffei condemned the incident as an “irresponsible gesture,” released surveillance video and launched a campaign to promote respect for art and cultural heritage.
  • With assistance from Italian law enforcement and specialist restorers, the museum confirmed this week that the chair has been fully restored to its original condition.
  • Online outrage has intensified calls for the couple to be identified and held financially or legally responsible for the damage.