The inaugural debates for the opening of the museum (21 June 2006)
The Quai Branly museum opened in June 2006. For the occasion, personalities from the whole world gathered for discussions and debates, creating a fundamental reflexion about the future of such an institution.
Who owns the objects? What is the place of contemporary art I a museum mostly dedicated to traditional art? Is a museum a laic space or is it possible to consider it as holy place? How should one present works of art? What about the theme of authenticity? How is it possible to emphasise and highlight immaterial heritage? Which public does the museum address? What is the role of international cooperation?
All these questions were addressed by researchers, artists, curators ,philosophers, writers, all united by one wish, one hope: that the Quai Branly museum will open to the world, and strive to develop exchanges between the countries where the works come from and to enrich this permanent dialogue.