Sculpture by renowned artist Jeff Koons worth £35k accidentally smashed during VIP event

19 February 2023, 17:38

An iconic sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons worth £35,000 was accidentally smashed during a VIP event at a Miami gallery.
An iconic sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons worth £35,000 was accidentally smashed during a VIP event at a Miami gallery. Picture: Instagram / @gamsonart

By Chris Samuel

An iconic sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons worth £35,000 was accidentally smashed during a VIP event at a Miami gallery.

The piece, a shiny blue sculpture, which was one Mr Koons' famous “balloon dog” series, was on display during the preview event at the Art Wynwood gallery.

Initially, some collectors thought the incident was a stunt or a piece of performance art when the 16-inch tall piece was knocked over and shattered on the ground.

Artist Stephen Gamson, who was at the event, said that he saw a woman touching the sculpture.

Read more: Woman, 74, who died in Exeter park attacked with a knife, police say

Read more: Rishi Sunak warned by Boris Johnson that dropping NI Protocol Bill would be 'great mistake'

Speaking to a local Fox News station he said: "I saw this woman was there, and she was tapping [the sculpture], and then the thing fell over and shattered into thousands of pieces."

Jeff Koons in front of another of his balloon dog sculptures before the opening of his retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York June 24, 2014.
Jeff Koons in front of another of his balloon dog sculptures before the opening of his retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York June 24, 2014. Picture: Alamy

Mr Gamson told reporters he thought she tapped on the piece to see if it was a real balloon.

Jeff Koons speaks to a fan with the piece in the background November 15, 2021 in New York City.
Jeff Koons speaks to a fan with the piece in the background November 15, 2021 in New York City. Picture: Getty

A video filmed by a bystander shows gallery employees sweeping up the shards of glass, with a voice in the background saying "I can't believe somebody would knock that over".

Video of the aftermath showed the valuable sculpture in pieces on the floor of the gallery.
Video of the aftermath showed the valuable sculpture in pieces on the floor of the gallery. Picture: Instagram / @gamsonart

Benedicte Caluch, an art adviser with Bel-Air Fine Art, which sponsored the artwork, told the Miami Herald the woman didn't mean to break the piece and that insurance would cover the damage.

Mr Koons, whose works have sold for as much as £75m, was not at the event.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, who has slammed racial inequalities in the health service.

‘Black service, not NHS service’: Health leader condemns racial inequalities that failed mother

Kylie Minogue has cancelled a string of upcoming shows.

Kylie Minogue cancels string of upcoming shows as pop icon shares health update

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Iranian missiles hospitalise scores of Israelis as Tel Aviv bombarded by waves of retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years

These funds were used to purchase three Tesla cars, a Mini Cooper and a Nissan Qashqai, Teesside crown court heard

Army sergeant jailed after stealing £336,000 of MoD funds to buy Teslas, hair transplant and 'adult services'

Handout photo issued by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales of Alexander Dighton from Llantrisant

Man who attacked officers with Molotov cocktails and a knife jailed for life