One such case happened recently, when a visitor to Florence’s famed Uffizi Gallery reportedly stumbled while attempting to take a selfie with a 300-year-old painting. As a consequence, the artwork was irreparably damaged. The incident, which has raised concerns about visitor behavior in cultural institutions, highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing social media trends with the preservation of historical art.
Just the other week, a visitor recently reclined to take a selfie with the mural. Instead, they misplaced their equilibrium and tumbled straight into the artwork. Only in this case, security camera footage of the event—which spread virally through Italian media—shows exactly how it all went down, specifically the moment of impact. Examining the footage frame-by-frame revealed a large rip in the fabric. This shocking find led gallery employees to leap into action and evaluate the harm done.
This incident is not an isolated case. Just a few weeks ago, tourists visiting the Palazzo Maffei in Verona damaged an artwork while posing for pictures. They had just stopped to take photos when the blast went off. The centerpiece of the evening was a stunning chair encrusted with crystals, made by artist Nicola Bolla. Museum curators said the chair “turned into pieces in front of them.” The exhibition featured about 150 stunning 18th-century masterpieces. It did close until July 2 from damage, giving time for repairs and infrastructure safety improvements.
Vanessa Carlon, a spokeswoman for the Uffizi Gallery, told AP that she was shocked by the latest attack.
“It would be ridiculous – if it hadn’t actually happened. A museum’s worst nightmare.” – Vanessa Carlon
On the dangers created by how visitors act, she added,
“Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don’t think about the consequences.” – Vanessa Carlon
Simone Verde, a spokesperson for the Uffizi Gallery, introduced the new measures. These actions are meant to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.
“We will set very precise limits, preventing behavior that is not compatible with the sense of our institutions and respect for cultural heritage.” – Simone Verde
The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most valuable artworks in the world. Yet, like many other museums, it is constantly struggling to attract visitors without compromising the quality of its collections. Social media is playing a huge role in both attracting and influencing visitor behavior. Institutions need to reconsider their vision for future visitor experiences when using and showcasing art.