Uffizi Museum, Arno Corridor, Florence, Italy, via Wikipedia
Key points
A 1712 painting by Gabbiani was partially torn in the Uffizi .
The visitor tripped while imitating the character's pose for a meme/selfie.
The damage is repairable , but the work has been removed from the exhibition .
The man is being prosecuted for damaging cultural heritage
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A painting more than 300 years old was damaged at the Uffizi Gallery by a clumsy tourist trying to take a meme-like photo of himself. This latest incident raises serious concerns about risky behavior in museums in the age of social media.
A masterpiece damaged for a viral photo
The painting in question is a portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici , painted in 1712 by Anton Domenico Gabbiani . The work was part of the temporary exhibition " Florence and Europe in the 18th Century ." The visitor is said to have tried to imitate the character's pose for a selfie or a humorous meme before tripping and hitting the canvas. The fall caused a tear in the lower right part of the painting, near the subject's foot.
Heritage security in question
The work was immediately removed from the exhibition for restoration. Experts believe the damage is repairable but regret the avoidable incident. The visitor was identified , reported to the authorities, and will be prosecuted for damage to artistic heritage .
👉 Temporary closure of the exhibition until July 2 : a measure taken to strengthen security around the remaining works.
Selfies, memes and museums: a dangerous cocktail?
According to Simone Verde , director of the Uffizi Gallery:
"The problem of visitors coming to museums just to make memes or take selfies is growing."
Faced with the increase in similar incidents, management is considering banning the use of smartphones in certain sections , installing more visible physical barriers and increasing human surveillance .
A phenomenon on the rise
This is not an isolated case. In June 2025 , two tourists in Verona destroyed a Swarovski crystal-encrusted chair by artist Nicola Bolla while sitting on it for a photo. Similar cases have been reported in Rome and Brescia , where the reckless behavior of visitors caused damage to priceless works.
FAQ
Where did the incident occur?
At the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (Italy), one of the most prestigious museums in Europe.
What is the work concerned?
A portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici , painted in 1712 by Anton Domenico Gabbiani .
What was the visitor doing at the time of the incident?
He was trying to replicate the painted figure's pose to create a meme or selfie when he tripped and damaged the artwork.
What will the legal consequences be?
The visitor was identified and reported to the police. He faces prosecution for damage to a protected cultural property .
Is the work lost?
No. The canvas suffered a slight tear and will be restored. The museum has assured that it will be able to be displayed again after repairs.
Is the exhibition still open?
The exhibition " Florence and Europe in the 18th Century " has been temporarily closed . It is scheduled to reopen on July 2, 2025 .
Is this kind of incident common?
Increasingly. In 2025, several cases were reported in Italy, notably in Verona, Rome, and Brescia, often linked to inappropriate behavior related to social media.
Nicolas Sarazin