The Nantes Museum of Arts has entered a new chapter under the leadership of Emmanuelle Delapierre, who took over as director in June following the departure of Sophie Lévy. The 52-year-old curator, who previously served as director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Caen since 2015, brings extensive experience from her previous roles at museums in Arras and Valenciennes, along with her specialization in 17th-century French sculpture.
The transition marks the end of an era for the prestigious institution, which had been guided by Sophie Lévy since its reopening in 2017 after six years of extensive renovations. Lévy, who was instrumental in the museum's renaissance and transformation into a flagship cultural destination in the Duchy of Brittany, departed in January to succeed Jean Blaise as head of Le Voyage à Nantes, the city's renowned cultural event.
The selection process for Delapierre's appointment was carefully conducted over several months, with final interviews taking place during the winter. In March, Nantes Métropole, the museum's governing authority, announced their decision to appoint the experienced curator who had made her mark in Normandy's rich artistic landscape, particularly known for its impressionist heritage and the treasures of Caen's collections.
Delapierre's appointment comes at a significant moment for the museum, as her project is expected to strengthen and expand upon the emphasis on contemporary art that has been a defining feature of the institution since its 2017 reopening. This focus on contemporary works has distinguished the museum within France's cultural landscape and positioned it as a forward-thinking institution that bridges historical and modern artistic expressions.
As she bids farewell to Normandy and its renowned impressionist tradition, Delapierre brings a wealth of curatorial experience that spans multiple prestigious institutions. Her background in managing diverse collections and her scholarly expertise in French sculptural traditions are expected to complement and enhance the museum's existing contemporary art focus while maintaining its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation.
The museum's transition represents more than just a change in leadership; it signals the continuation of an ambitious cultural vision that has made the Nantes Museum of Arts a significant player in France's art world. Under Delapierre's guidance, the institution is poised to build upon its recent successes while charting new directions that will further cement its reputation as a major cultural destination in western France.
