Museum Had Surprising Response After Toddler Smashed 3,500-Year-Old Artifact

An Israeli museum had a surprising response after a toddler accidentally smashed a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age vase during a visit.

Haifa’s Hecht Museum told BBC that the pottery, which dated back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C., was on display near the entrance without a case or other protection due to the museum’s belief that there is a "special charm" to showing unbelievable archaeological discoveries "without obstructions.”

Alex, the father of the four-year-old boy who shattered the antique find, recalled that his son "pulled the jar slightly" while inspecting it because he was "curious about what was inside.” When the piece toppled, Alex was “in shock” and at first thought “it wasn't my child that did it.”

After calming the young man down, Alex went to speak with a security guard about the mishap. In a heartwarming twist, the museum didn’t punish Alex or his son but instead invited the entire family back to the museum in a few days to view the exhibit on a guided tour.

"There are instances where display items are intentionally damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police," said Lihi Laszlo, a spokesperson from the University of Haifa, which runs the Hecht Museum.

"In this case, however, this was not the situation,” Laszlo continued. “The jar was accidentally damaged by a young child visiting the museum, and the response will be accordingly."

In another bit of good news, the museum reported that its conservation experts are currently restoring the piece of Bronze Age art. It’s expected to resume its spot by the facility’s entrance by the time Alex and his family return to see the exhibit. Alex said he’ll be “relieved” to see the vase restored, but added that his family is “sorry” because they understand “it will no longer be the same item.”

The Haifa Museum said that “whenever possible, items are displayed without barriers or glass walls,” and “despite this rare incident” they don’t plan to change their policies.

BBC reported that the jar was likely used to carry supplies such as olive oil and wine. It predated the Biblical King David and King Solomon and is typical of the eastern Mediterranean coast’s Canaan region.