Staggering amount tourists could be fined after shocking footage showed them breaking 'Van Gogh' chair

Two tourists who broke a 'Van Gogh' chair could find themselves owing an arm and a leg if authorities catch them.

Two tourists visiting Italy are being chewed out online after a video showed them breaking a chair out on display at Palazzo Maffei Verona.

Despite the signs indicating it was part of the exhibit and the general rule of ‘look don’t touch’, the pair opted to get more than a little close to the piece of art.

A Swarovski crystal-covered chair by Nicola Bolla resembling the one depicted in Van Gogh's infamous 1888 painting was freestanding in one of the rooms of the museum.

So how did it happen? Well, the couple chose to pose by it and then on it for some photos, firstly the woman appeared to perch on it for a snap before the man actually did sit on it and broke it.

The unidentified duo then quickly rushed out of the room and out of the museum before staff noticed the damage, according to officials.

Their actions were caught on CCTV and the museum took to posting the footage on social media, while scolding them in an attempt to 'reflect and raise public awareness' about respecting art.

Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian at the museum, told the BBC that there was 'a note warning people not to touch, and of course it is placed on a pedestal', adding: "So it's quite clear it's not a real chair."

The couple also faced a ton of criticism from viewers online, with many commenters all expressing the same opinion that the couple should 'pay for the damage'.

While the museum haven't said how much the couple could be fined, they could potentially face significant penalties if caught, according to an insurance team.

Laura Court-Jones, member of Bionic’s insurance team, told UNILAD that ignoring 'don't touch rules' in museums can have 'real consequences'.

The chair's seat and two legs were broken (Palazzo Maffei Verona)

“These can range from warnings to serious legal and financial penalties, depending on the severity of the act and the value of the object involved," she said.

"In countries with strict cultural heritage protection laws (such as Italy), damaging museum property can result in substantial fines (sometimes tens of thousands of euros) and, in serious cases, criminal charges, including possible imprisonment."

According to Court-Jones, under Italian law, they could expect to cough up a whopping $50,000 in addition to being liable for restoration costs.

The chair's main seat and two legs were destroyed, however, they have since been restored.

The museum's director, Vanessa Carlon, told the BBC that she wanted the footage to highlight that 'anyone should enter art places, or museums or churches, wherever art is displayed, in a more respectful way'.

"Art must be respected and loved because it is very fragile." she said.

UNILAD has previously reached out to Palazzo Maffei Verona for comment and further clarification on the charges or fines the couple may face.