Anne-Claire Legendre, a senior French diplomat and advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, has been selected to lead the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. Her appointment follows the abrupt resignation of former director Jack Lang and, if confirmed, will make her the first woman to head the institution in its 40-year history.
Legendre's selection marks a pivotal moment for the cultural and diplomatic institute, which faces significant challenges. The institution is grappling with a structural deficit, stalled expansion plans, and diminished influence as other Parisian museums expand their focus on Islamic art. Her diplomatic expertise signals a desire to renew the institute's original mission as both a cultural center and a political bridge between France and the Arab world.