France collaborates with museums to foster cultural growth

The International Perfume Museum, located in Grasse Subprefecture – known as the perfume capital of the world – is a prime example of France’s commitment to preserving its culture through museums.

This museum boasts a vast collection of perfumes and provides information on both modern and traditional perfume-making techniques.

Olivier Quiquempois, the director and curator of the Museums of Grasse, emphasizes the importance of art museums in preserving culture. He recognizes Vietnam’s rich history and art museums but believes that it is not necessary to have numerous art museums in one city. Instead, what matters most is effectively showcasing artifacts.

In France, there are two types of art museums: classic and contemporary. Classic museums display artworks by deceased artists from the 20th century and earlier, while contemporary museums focus on artworks created after the 20th century.

Olivier Quiquempois, director and curator of the Museums of Grasse, speaks at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 14, 2023. Photo: French Institute in Ho Chi Minh City

Quiquempois shares the French approach to instilling a deep understanding of culture in students. Starting from the age of six, French students are required to visit cultural and artistic sites, including museums, annually with their schools. These visits aim to nurture their appreciation of French culture.

In addition to these museum trips, French students engage in culture-related projects supported by artisans and museum staff, where they create their own artworks inspired by the museum exhibits they see. These experiences inspire their passion for art and encourage future visits to museums in search of deeper exploration.

To increase museum attendance, the French government launched the 100% Education Artistique et culturelle (EAC) program over the past five years, which aims to double the number of museum-goers. This initiative includes digital campaigns featuring visually captivating introduction videos and offering free entrance tickets to students.

French museums also organize art performances and dances connected to their artwork collections to attract young visitors. Tours to museums are regularly arranged in collaboration with schools and universities, and family-friendly and tailored tours are designed to provide a captivating experience for all.

In terms of delivering information to museum-goers, many museums in France now offer audio experiences. The Confluences Museum is renowned for its use of “story cabins,” small audio devices available to all visitors. Users can select from three-minute presentations about the artifacts on display, providing an immersive and engaging experience.

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