Recently, there has been a rise in incidents in which precious works of art have been damaged by guests who are visiting museums and decide to take pictures near pieces. This damage, then, can take thousands and thousands of euros – or even more! – to be repaired by the careful work of restoration specialists and leads to artworks not being able to be displayed for long stretches of time.
To avoid getting in trouble with the law and to enjoy your vacation in Italy peacefully and without stress, there are some things to keep in mind when you visit museums, galleries, and other artistic sites and attractions. Allow us to help you find a perfect luxury villa in Italy and then read on to learn our tips for planning a stress-free visit to museums in Italy…
In June of 2025, an 18th century portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici, the Grand Prince of Tuscany, painted by Anton Domenico Gabbiani, was damaged when a tourist tripped and fell backwards into it while trying to, “make a meme in front,” of it in the Uffizi. The damage, in this case, was not particularly severe but the work did have to be taken in for restoration and the exhibition in which it was on display along with 150 other works, “Florence and Europe: Arts of the Eighteenth Century at the Uffizi,” had to be closed for a couple of weeks. Earlier in the year, a man visiting Palazzo Maffei in Verona damaged a bejewelled chair by artist Nicola Bolla when he also slipped and fell onto the work while trying to take a picture pretending to sit on it. Both incidents required the involvement of the police and led to damaged artworks, repair bills, and huge stress for all parties involved.
All of this, of course, could absolutely ruin a holiday as well as the works of art involved. So, if you want to avoid similar incidents while enjoying a stay in one of our villas in Tuscany, there are some things to keep in mind.
1. Photography policies
It’s not that you shouldn’t take photos at all but it is good to be familiar with the rules that different institutions have in place around taking photographs. Can you take any at all? Are there some works that you can’t photograph? This is because some museums have a copyrights in place on certain works to raise funds by selling them. Do you have to have flash turned off? Often the case for painted works as flash photography can damage them)?
Websites will usually tell you the policies in advance of your visit or you can look for signs or ask an attendant in the museum/attraction when you get there.
2. Following directions
Some museums will have specific paths guiding you through the space, maybe even a one-way system, to ensure things run more smoothly and no issues occur. Others will have little ropes at a low level to keep you back a distance from the works of art. The point is, each museum and institution is different and will have their own rules and ways of doing things. Be sure to follow the directions, rules, and signs of each venue as they have been put into place for a reason. If you do this, you should be able to avoid any unpleasantness, confusion, or incidents.
3. Don’t try to be sneaky
You might not think there is any harm in bending some rules and that you might readily get away with it but getting caught is not worth it, particularly if you want to avoid stress while staying in a holiday rental in Italy. For example, some people manage to snag a little sneaky shot of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel without being spotted but if you do get caught, is the potential of being shouted at for a low-quality front-camera shot, likely with the corner of someone’s head in it, worth it? We don’t really think so. Just experience it in person, fully in all of its glory. Then, if you really want something to remember it by, just pick something up in the gift shop with the image on it and then head back to your vacation rental in Rome at the end of the day with only fond memories and no stored tension to worry about.
4. Use common sense
Really, it all comes down to common sense. As long as you don’t break rules actively or try and take pictures while in precarious positions where you might slip or lose your balance and fall into a valuable work of art, you are probably going to be okay. Plus, it is always worth remembering that you will likely encounter crowds in these museums. Try to stay patient and keep in mind that you are not the only person in the museum and that other guests should also get a chance to view works.
It’s not that you can’t take photos while visiting a museum but just consider other visitors and your own and the works’ safety while you are doing so. A meme is not worth ruining your holiday, destroying a piece of art, causing stress for everyone involved, or having to get the police involved!
Remember to also put your phone away sometimes as well! Nice photos to remember your trip by are all well and good but if you have booked a stay in one of our luxury villas in Italy, you want to actually experience it for yourself, not just through a camera lens. Relax, unwind, put the phone away sometimes, and make magical memories (both photographed and not) that will last a lifetime!