When art was (almost) destroyed by accident
Museum mishaps remind us: even the most untouchable works are at the mercy of human clumsiness.
Disaster was just a breath away.
Even the masters aren’t safe from human clumsiness.
“An accident is just an opportunity in disguise.” — Picasso
Museums are temples of art… but not always immune to human clumsiness. Here are a few delightfully disastrous episodes:
👉 Taipei, 2015
A boy tripped and tore a $1.5 million painting with his arm. Luckily, the artwork was restored — but the mental selfie lasted forever.
👉 Cambridge, 2006
Three priceless paintings crashed to the floor during a lecture — all because someone tripped over a curtain cord.
👉 Moscow, 2018
A visitor tried to take a selfie with a Russian master’s painting. Result: broken frame, but a canvas that was thankfully repairable.
👉 Café conclusion
Genius creates — but chance always leaves its mark…