Hugo Lucchino, a 34-year-old arts administrator with extensive management experience, has been appointed as the new director of Villa Noailles, the renowned art center in Hyères, France. The appointment, announced on August 14, 2025, comes as the institution faces significant financial difficulties and a damaged reputation following a major scandal involving its former director.
Lucchino brings impressive academic credentials and professional experience to the troubled art center. He holds a master's degree in aesthetics and philosophy of art from Paris-Sorbonne University, as well as a master's in public affairs with a focus on culture. He completed his education with a master's in museology from the prestigious École du Louvre in 2015. Currently serving as secretary general of Palais Galliera, Paris's fashion museum, Lucchino has built a solid reputation as a skilled administrator in the cultural sector.
His career trajectory began at the Musée du quai Branly in 2015, where he worked as an administrative manager, first in the communications department and later in cultural development. In 2016, he joined Le Signe, the National Center for Graphic Design, initially serving as director of general affairs before being promoted to secretary general, a position he held until 2020. His current role at Palais Galliera has further solidified his expertise in managing cultural institutions.
Villa Noailles, designed by renowned architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and built between 1923 and 1925, was originally commissioned by Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles. The modernist architectural masterpiece served as a meeting place for artistic modernity during its early years. The municipality of Hyères purchased the property in 1973 and transformed it into an art center in 1996, establishing it as a significant cultural destination.
Lucchino faces the daunting task of addressing what officials describe as a triple crisis affecting the institution. The art center is grappling with severe financial difficulties, governance issues, and a severely damaged public image. His primary responsibilities will include restoring transparency in management practices, stabilizing operations, and ensuring the continuity of the villa's signature programming, including the prestigious International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Fashion Accessories in Hyères, as well as the Design Parade.
Pascale Mussard, president of Villa Noailles, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: "I am delighted with this nomination. Hugo joins us with great artistic sensibility and valuable management experience to write together a new chapter in our history." Her comments, reported by Fashion Network, reflect the institution's hope for a fresh start under new leadership.
The art center has been embroiled in controversy for several months following revelations about its former longtime director, Jean-Pierre Blanc. An investigation uncovered a massive debt of 4 million euros and revealed a pattern of extravagant spending covered by the institution's management. The probe exposed luxurious hotel stays, lavish receptions, and expensive gifts to guests, all funded by the art center's budget.
Adding to the institution's troubles, rumors circulated regarding the former director's alleged possession of child pornography, though these allegations were officially denied by judicial authorities. Despite the denial, the rumors have contributed to the severe damage to the institution's reputation and credibility in the art world.
The financial and reputational crisis has had immediate consequences for the art center's funding. Several major sponsors, representing approximately 40% of the center's budget, have suspended their support. Most notably, luxury fashion house Chanel, a significant contributor to the institution's programs, has withdrawn its backing pending resolution of the crisis. Jean-Pierre Blanc was ultimately suspended from his duties in May 2025.
As Lucchino prepares to take the helm of this prestigious but troubled institution, he will need to draw on his extensive experience in cultural administration and his proven track record in managing complex organizational challenges. The success of his appointment will largely depend on his ability to restore confidence among donors, rebuild the institution's reputation, and ensure the continuation of the internationally recognized programs that have made Villa Noailles a significant player in the contemporary art and fashion worlds.
