Portrait Damaged by Tourist Attempting Selfie at Uffizi Gallery
An 18th-century artwork sustained damage as a museum-goer fell while trying to capture a selfie, prompting concerns over visitor behavior.
An 18th-century painting has reportedly been harmed at Florence's Uffizi Gallery after a visitor lost their balance while attempting to take a selfie in front of the portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici, created by Anton Domenico Gabbiani. The museum stated that while the damage can be quickly mended, director Simone Verde highlighted the need for stricter behavior regulations for visitors. He remarked on the growing trend of people visiting museums primarily to create memes or social media content, indicating that future restrictions may be implemented to preserve cultural integrity. The incident caused the gallery to close the exhibition, "Florence and Europe: Arts of the Eighteenth Century," temporarily until repairs are completed, with plans to reopen on July 2 and continue until November 28. The visitor involved has been identified and is facing judicial proceedings. This incident follows a similar one earlier this year in Verona, where a man also damaged art while posing for photos. Museum officials expressed concern over the increasing risk posed by selfie-taking to valuable artworks.
An 18th-century artwork sustained damage as a museum-goer fell while trying to capture a selfie, prompting concerns over visitor behavior.
An 18th-century painting has reportedly been harmed at Florence's Uffizi Gallery after a visitor lost their balance while attempting to take a selfie in front of the portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici, created by Anton Domenico Gabbiani. The museum stated that while the damage can be quickly mended, director Simone Verde highlighted the need for stricter behavior regulations for visitors. He remarked on the growing trend of people visiting museums primarily to create memes or social media content, indicating that future restrictions may be implemented to preserve cultural integrity. The incident caused the gallery to close the exhibition, "Florence and Europe: Arts of the Eighteenth Century," temporarily until repairs are completed, with plans to reopen on July 2 and continue until November 28. The visitor involved has been identified and is facing judicial proceedings. This incident follows a similar one earlier this year in Verona, where a man also damaged art while posing for photos. Museum officials expressed concern over the increasing risk posed by selfie-taking to valuable artworks.
