Saudi Arabia Commits €50 Million to Renovate France's Centre Pompidou

Saudi Arabia has pledged €50 million ($52.6 million) to support the €262 million renovation of the Centre Pompidou, France’s premier museum for modern and contemporary art. The announcement, made by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Saudi Culture Minister Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, reflects the growing cultural collaboration between the two nations.

Renovation Details and Timeline

The Centre Pompidou will close its doors between 2025 and 2030 to undergo extensive upgrades to its exhibition spaces. During the closure, the museum will host off-site exhibitions to maintain its cultural programming. The funding from Saudi Arabia is part of a broader heritage fund established as a cornerstone of Saudi-French cultural cooperation.

A Broader Cultural Partnership

The renovation contribution is just one aspect of a ten-agreement package aimed at strengthening ties in culture and heritage. Other significant projects include:

• Museum and Archaeology Initiatives: France will assist Saudi Arabia in developing new heritage projects, such as a photography museum in Riyadh linked to the National School of Photography in Arles.
• Heritage Site Restoration: French institutions like the Centre des Monuments Nationaux will support the restoration of historic Saudi landmarks, including royal palaces.
• Archaeological Research: Collaborative conservation efforts at sites such as Qiddiya, backed by the French National Institute for Archaeological Research.

This collaboration builds on an earlier 2018 agreement between the two nations to enhance Saudi Arabia’s museums and archaeological sites.

AlUla and Vision 2030

A notable outcome of the 2018 partnership was the AlUla Project, developed by the French Agency for AlUla Development (Afalula). AlUla, a museum of Arabic civilization situated in an ancient stone city in the AlUla Valley, has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to diversify its economy beyond oil, boost tourism, and liberalize its global image under the Vision 2030 plan.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Impact

This cultural partnership not only highlights Saudi Arabia's increasing role in global arts and heritage initiatives but also underscores France’s commitment to fostering international cultural exchange. The restoration of the Centre Pompidou, backed by this collaboration, signifies a shared vision of preserving and advancing cultural heritage in a rapidly modernizing world.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in cultural and artistic endeavors, these initiatives aim to solidify its position as a global cultural hub, promoting dialogue and cooperation across nations.