It’s another busy summer for art enthusiasts and selfie seekers in Europe, but not all interactions with masterpieces are going smoothly. A recent incident at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence saw a tourist accidentally damage a centuries-old painting of Ferdinando de’ Medici while trying to mimic the grand prince’s pose. This mishap has prompted discussions among museum directors who are increasingly concerned about the trend of visitors treating galleries as mere backdrops for social media.
Just last spring, the Palazzo Maffei in Verona witnessed a man ruin an extravagant crystal-covered chair while trying to snap the perfect shot. Meanwhile, staff at the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris recently protested against overcrowding and the disruptions caused by selfie-happy tourists.
Simone Verde, the director of the Uffizi, expressed his frustrations, saying that many visitors seem more interested in creating content for social media than appreciating art. Marina Novelli, an expert on sustainable tourism at Nottingham University, noted that damage to artwork from selfie-taking tourists is becoming alarmingly commonplace. Museums are now on high alert as the summer tourist season heats up, grappling with the challenge of balancing visitation with art protection.
