A celebrated painting by American abstract artist Mark Rothko has sustained minor damage after a young visitor made unintended contact with the artwork during a trip to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
According to Euronews, the piece in question, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 (1960), was “scratched” in its lower portion after what the museum described as an “unguarded moment.” The institution confirmed that the damage occurred when a child touched the unvarnished surface of the canvas while the painting was on display.
In a public statement, the museum said:
“The painting Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 by Mark Rothko has sustained superficial damage after a child touched the painting when it was on display. As a result, small scratches are visible in the unvarnished paint layer in the lower part of the painting. Conservation expertise has been sought in the Netherlands and abroad. We are currently researching the next steps for the treatment of the painting. We expect that the work will be able to be shown again in the future.”
Though the museum did not disclose the painting’s appraised value, works by Rothko are known to command extremely high prices at auction. In November 2023, for example, his Untitled, 1968 sold for $23.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York. Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad estimated the value of the affected Rothko painting to be as high as €50 million.
At this time, it is unclear who will be responsible for the costs associated with restoring the artwork.
A History of Handling Accidents
This is not the first time the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum has had to contend with damage to artwork by visitors. In 2011, a conceptual installation titled Pindakaasvloer (Peanut Butter Floor) by Dutch artist Wim T. Schippers was inadvertently stepped on by a tourist, who was later asked to pay for the restoration.
However, the museum appears to be handling this most recent case with significant understanding, recognizing that the child didn’t do it on purpose.
In 2024, a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar was accidentally broken by a four-year-old boy at the Hecht Museum in northern Israel. The ancient artifact, displayed without a protective case near the entrance, shattered when the child made contact with it. In that instance, museum director Inbal Rivlin clarified that the situation was clearly accidental and therefore not treated as a criminal matter.
Rather than penalize the family, the Hecht Museum invited them back for a special guided visit to make the experience a more positive one.
The Museum’s Graceful Response
Similarly, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has reportedly welcomed the family involved back for another visit. This gesture reflects the institution’s recognition that accidents, especially those involving children, can happen and that intent matters. The museum emphasized that the damage was not malicious and is treatable, with specialists from both the Netherlands and abroad consulted on restoration plans.
Tips for Visiting Museums with Children
Museums are rich spaces for discovery and learning and as a mom of two little ones, I love taking my kids to museums to both educate and entertain them. Families are encouraged to visit most museums but some preparation can make the experience safer for children and the artwork alike. Here are some helpful tips:
- Talk before you go: Set expectations with children before the visit. Explain the importance of not touching artwork, no matter how tempting.
- Stay engaged: Keep young children within arm’s reach and actively engaged. Ask questions, play “I spy,” or discuss what they see to keep their attention focused.
- Choose the right museum: Some museums offer child-friendly spaces or family guides. Look for places with interactive exhibits designed for young visitors.
- Use a stroller or baby carrier: For very young children, keeping them safely contained can help avoid accidental bumps or touches.
- Check museum policies: Before visiting, read up on any rules or suggestions the museum offers for families.
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