A Norwegian citizen has filed a significant lawsuit against the Museum of Modern Art PS1 in Queens, seeking over $150,000 in damages after suffering a severe concussion when a wall-mounted acoustic panel fell and struck her while she was visiting the museum's screening room in October 2022. Andrea Kroksnes alleges that the museum failed to properly secure the panel and maintain safe conditions for visitors, resulting in lasting medical complications that continue to affect her daily life and work performance.
The incident occurred on October 29, 2022, when Kroksnes was visiting MoMA PS1 to view Palestinian artist Jumana Manna's mid-career survey exhibition titled "Break, Take, Erase, Tally." While seated in the museum's screening room, a large and heavy wall-mounted panel that was affixed to the wall directly behind the sofa became dislodged and fell onto her. According to her legal team at the New York law firm Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, the object that struck Kroksnes was an acoustics panel, not an artwork or part of the exhibition installation.
The lawsuit alleges that Kroksnes sustained an acute concussion as a direct result of the panel's detachment and impact, which later developed into chronic post-concussion syndrome. This condition has resulted in ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional damages that significantly impact her quality of life. The complaint details that she has experienced extreme pain and has been severely and permanently injured due to the incident, with symptoms that affect her ability to perform her job duties effectively.
Kroksnes and her attorneys have accused MoMA PS1 of negligent supervision and oversight, specifically citing the museum's failure to properly secure the panel to the wall and adequately monitor the premises for safety risks or defective conditions. The legal team argues that the museum should have been aware that the equipment was located in an area where visitors would naturally rest, lean, or make contact with surrounding surfaces, making proper installation and maintenance crucial for visitor safety.
"Ms. Kroksnes suffered a debilitating concussion as a result of this preventable accident," stated Erin Applebaum, partner at Kreindler & Kreindler, in an email statement. "We have been in touch with the museum since it occurred, but we were forced to file suit because of the impending statute of limitations. We remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved swiftly and amicably." The law firm emphasized that they had attempted to work with the museum to resolve the matter outside of court before the legal deadline required them to file the formal lawsuit.
The financial impact of the incident has been substantial for Kroksnes, who is seeking monetary damages exceeding $150,000, along with covered legal costs, interest, and additional relief as determined by the court. The lawsuit outlines that she has suffered significant economic loss due to previous and ongoing medical expenses that are expected to continue in the future. Beyond the financial burden, the complaint states that Kroksnes has been deprived of her enjoyment of life, pursuits, and interests due to the lasting effects of her injuries.
The case documents reveal the severity of Kroksnes' condition, describing how the chronic post-concussion syndrome has created long-term complications that extend far beyond the initial injury. The ongoing symptoms have not only affected her personal life but have also impacted her professional capabilities, creating a situation where her earning capacity and career prospects may be permanently diminished. These lasting effects form a significant portion of the damages being sought in the lawsuit.
MoMA PS1 has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit or the specific safety measures that were in place at the time of the incident. The museum's silence on the matter leaves questions unanswered about their current safety protocols and whether any changes have been implemented since the 2022 incident to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The case highlights broader concerns about visitor safety in museum environments and the responsibility of cultural institutions to maintain secure conditions for their guests.
