Chaos at Museum: Child Damages Painting Worth 375 Million Kroner

The artwork, “Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8,” by American artist Mark Rothko, is estimated to be worth between 300 and 375 million kroner.

The incident occurred at Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, where the painting was on display as part of the “Lievelingen” exhibition.

With the museum’s main building closed for renovations until at least 2030, seventy of the collection’s most beloved works—from Pieter Bruegel to Salvador Dalí—were showcased in the adjacent space.

Visible Scratches on Rothko Painting

A spokesperson for the museum said:

“The Rothko work has sustained damage: a number of visible scratches on the unpainted surface. This happened because a child, who was momentarily unsupervised, touched the lower part of the work.”

“Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8,” which the museum acquired in 1970, is one of only two Rothko paintings in the Netherlands and among the museum’s most valuable pieces.

Rothko, who lived from 1903 to 1970, is known for his grand abstract works featuring “color fields.”

The damaged painting was previously highlighted in the 2021 exhibition “Rothko and Me” at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, where visitors were allowed to spend ten minutes alone with the piece in a sealed room.

Some visitors were reportedly moved to tears.

The museum has not yet decided how the painting will be restored.

“We are currently consulting with experts to determine the next steps for repairs,” the museum stated. “We expect the work will be able to go back on display in the future.”

Million-Dollar Art Damage and Notable Buyers

According to the museum, the damage is located on the canvas area around the frame. The value of the piece underscores the severity of the incident.

In 2022, Dutch art collector Bert Kreuk estimated that “Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8” could sell for between 300 and 375 million kroner.

“A Rothko painting with three colors is always worth more than one with two,” Kreuk told AD at the time.

He explained that rising prices in modern art are being driven by wealthy buyers from Russia, China, and the oil-rich Arab countries.

“They want a piece from a big name—something that stands out. Something flashy, with lots of color. A painting that fits over the sofa in their modern living rooms,” he said.

The museum has not disclosed how much the restoration might cost or who will foot the bill.

Museums typically hold visitors financially liable for damage and seek compensation through the person’s insurance.

In this case, the child and parents are known, but Boijmans has declined to comment further.

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