A Conversation On The Future of Museums
On May 25th, Villa Albertine hosted an exceptional conversation between Laurence des Cars, President of the Musée du Louvre, and Laurent Le Bon, President of the Centre Pompidou, on the future of museums. The discussion was moderated by András Szántó, author of The Future of the Museum: 28 Dialogues (2020), and was the last in a series of encounters organized by Villa Albertine with major French museum directors in Spring 2022.
Villa Albertine headquarters in New York.
Moderator András Szántó kicked off the conversation by recognizing a shift in the idea of a museum as a singular entity to a much more inclusive structure that is no longer vertical and one-directional but is rather becoming more horizontal.
In agreement, Laurence des Cars noted that the idea of polyphony was a very clear priority in the modern collection of the Louvre. The President of the Musée du Louvre discussed the historic diversity and inclusivity in the institution’s collections and explained that it should now more than ever, be a platform that welcomes differences. She further identified that the beauty of these places is found in the possibility of being confronted with international expression.
In describing the DNA of the Louvre, she added that it is about dedication, curiosity, freedom of expression, expression of beauty, and freedom of thinking.
“C’est la maison des artistes”!
Photo: Left to Right: András Szántó, Laurence des Cars, and Laurent Le Bon.
Laurent Le Bon also expressed the need for modern institutions to be different and clarified that although there is more than enough quantity of artworks, quality is missing. In this modern age of art, he discussed the need for provocative artists, who are filled with inspiration and do not follow trends.
After all, we need more “Picassos”!
The President of the Centre Pompidou pointed out that the museum has to be a movement, where visitors get immersed in the context of collections and can experience new adventures even in the most permanent collections. Laurence des Cars added that the movement of these institutions is what makes them charming and special, as they are never finished but always transform with the time to remain relevant. Des Cars acknowledged the museum as a place where history can be rewritten and highlighted the need to more explicitly express the history of inspiration.
After this insightful conversation, an intimate cocktail reception followed, where delicious wine, champagne, and canapes were served.
There is nothing less to expect from French hospitality; a beautiful space, exquisite alcohol, delicate flavors, good humor, and an intellectually curious audience!
