Sylvain Amic, Paris Musée d’Orsay Head, Dies at 58

Sylvain Amic, the director of Paris’s Musée d’Orsay since April 2024, died suddenly at 58 from heart failure while on holiday in southern France. Amic was widely recognized as a progressive leader who sought to make art accessible to broader audiences, championing inclusivity and cultural openness, with a focus on engaging young visitors and revitalizing the museum’s collections and outreach. Born in Dakar and having taught in Gambia, he was a strong advocate for cultural restitution and was praised by French President Emmanuel Macron for understanding the universal emancipatory power of culture. Prior to leading the Musée d’Orsay, he managed the Musée Fabre in Montpellier and created the Museums of Rouen, an umbrella for 11 institutions. His death has been met with shock and sadness from cultural leaders and government officials who highlighted his warmth, creativity, and dedication to public service. Amic's tenure at the Orsay was marked by ambitious projects including a major collection rehang and a traveling exhibition, but his sudden death cut short many of his initiatives.