Child Accidentally Damages €50 Million Rothko Painting in Dutch Museum

The incident raises questions about art preservation and public access to high-value artworks.

In a surprising incident at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, a child has caused minor damage to a Mark Rothko painting valued at €50 million. The artwork, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, sustained what museum officials described as "superficial" scratches during an unguarded moment last week. The museum is currently assessing potential treatment options for the artwork, which was on display in a publicly accessible storage area as part of a collection dedicated to popular pieces from its holdings.

A museum spokesperson confirmed the painting's damage was limited, stating, "Small scratches are visible in the unvarnished paint layer in the lower part of the painting." Noting the importance of conservation efforts, experts have been consulted both locally and abroad to evaluate how to proceed. The spokesperson expressed optimism, saying, "We expect that the work will be able to be shown again in the future."

Specialists in art conservation highlight that modern, unvarnished paintings like Rothko's are especially vulnerable to damage due to their materials and methods. Sophie McAloone, a conservation manager, pointed out that even minimal damage can significantly detract from the viewing experience. Jonny Helm, a marketing manager at an art restoration company, echoed these sentiments. He remarked, "Restoring a Rothko is challenging, especially given the complexity of his materials and the fact that the painting is unprotected."

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for caution in making artworks accessible within galleries. Helm raised concerns regarding similar institutions, such as the V&A East and the British Museum, which are exploring ways to display more items that are typically stored away. "This incident may change how UK museums approach displaying their collections," he warned.

While the museum has yet to comment on liability for the damage, historical cases indicate that visitors may face financial responsibility for damaging artworks. The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has previously billed visitors for damages, such as when a tourist accidentally stepped on an artwork, leading to repair costs.

The Rothko incident is part of a worrying trend regarding damage to modern artworks in the Netherlands. Recent years have seen several similar cases, including the vandalism of Andy Warhol prints during a failed robbery and accidental disposal of artworks during renovations by a local government.

As museums navigate the balance between accessibility and preservation, this incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of high-value art in public spaces. In considering how to proceed with the restoration, the museum aims to not only repair the Rothko but also to uphold its commitment to sharing art with the public—safely.