Rothko Masterpiece Worth $60 Million Scratched By Child At Dutch Museum — $150K Estimated Restoration Cost Sparks Debate Over Open-Access Art

One of the Netherlands' most valuable modern artworks is being restored after a child accidentally scratched it at Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The Rothko, valued between $50 million and $60 million, is now at the center of fresh debate over the risk of exhibiting high-value art in open-access spaces.

What Happened: A child reportedly under the age of five brushed a hand against Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 (1960), creating visible scratches in the lower unvarnished paint layer, The Independent reported. The museum called it an "unguarded moment," and the artwork has now been removed from public view and sent to a conservation lab.

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Why It Matters: Rothko's works frequently sell for multimillion-dollar sums at auction. In 2012, Orange, Red, Yellow (1961) sold for $86.9 million at Christie's in New York. A few months later, another piece sold for $75.1 million.

While the recent incident was not a case of intentional vandalism, the financial repercussions are considerable. Art crime expert Arthur Brand told ABC News that the estimated cost of restoring the work could range from $50,000 to $150,000, based on past instances.

In 2012, a different Rothko painting suffered damages at the Tate Modern in London, requiring 18 months and $250,000 to restore. Even minor surface damage to masterpieces like the Rothko can lower market value.

Despite the accident, the Dutch museum remains steadfast in its open-access principles, stating that such spaces inspire public engagement with art.

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