On April 27, 2025, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam found itself at the center of a heated debate after a child accidentally scratched Mark Rothko’s Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, a painting valued at approximately €50 million. Following this incident, the museum is seriously considering banning children from certain exhibits to prevent similar accidents in the future. While protecting priceless artworks is a top priority, critics warn that banning children from museums risks limiting their early exposure to art. Early experiences with art are important for fostering creativity and cultural appreciation. This incident has ignited a broader conversation about how museums can balance preservation with allowing young visitors access to art.

The incident occurred during a family visit on a busy weekend afternoon. Museum staff report that the child was closely accompanied by their parents but managed to reach out and touch the painting during a brief lapse in supervision. The museum’s security protocols allow visitors to come within close proximity of the artworks, although direct contact is strictly prohibited.

Once the damage was noticed, museum conservators quickly assessed the scratch and confirmed that it affected only the surface paint. Because Rothko’s technique involves thin, delicate layers of pigment without protective varnish, even minor contact can leave visible marks. The museum immediately closed the exhibit for evaluation and began consultations with restoration experts to determine the safest method to repair the artwork without compromising its integrity.

The aftermath of the incident has ignited a contentious debate. Museum officials have publicly stated they are “seriously considering” restricting access to certain priceless pieces, including Rothko’s works, for younger visitors. Though no formal ban has been announced, discussions have included options such as prohibiting children under a certain age or requiring stricter supervision policies.

This prospect has triggered significant backlash from the public and art education advocates. Critics argue that banning children from galleries would diminish opportunities for early cultural engagement and stifle creativity in young minds. Parents, educators, and artists alike stress that museums should instead focus on improving visitor supervision and physical protections around fragile artworks.

Museum director Anneke van den Berg emphasized the difficulty of balancing preservation with accessibility. “Our goal is to protect these masterpieces for future generations while ensuring the museum remains a welcoming space for all visitors, including families. We are exploring all options to achieve this balance,” she said in a recent statement.

The Rothko scratch reignites a long-standing challenge faced by cultural institutions worldwide: safeguarding priceless art while maintaining an inclusive environment. As other museums observe the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s response closely, the eventual decision may set a precedent for policies on children’s access to sensitive exhibits.

For now, the painting remains off display pending restoration, and museum officials continue to weigh community feedback alongside conservation concerns.

References

• BBC News. “Child damages €50m Rothko painting in Dutch museum.” April 28, 2025.
• The Guardian. “The worst thing about the damaged Rothko is that it fuels the ban-kids-from-galleries debate.” May 11, 2025.
• Smithsonian Magazine. “Child scratches Mark Rothko painting worth millions while visiting Dutch art museum.” May 1, 2025.
• Artnet News. “Dutch museum’s multimillion-dollar Rothko scratched by a child.” April 29, 2025.