Gautier Verbeke to Lead Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau
Gautier Verbeke, currently the director of public engagement at the Louvre, will take over as administrator of the Palais du Tau, the towers of Reims Cathedral, and the Château de Haroué starting September 2026, following Jocelyn Bouraly's tenure. At 51 years old, Verbeke joined the Louvre in July 2023 after his role at Louvre-Lens, where he concentrated on community engagement and audience growth. His new role aligns with the ongoing renovation of the Palais du Tau, which is set to reopen in 2027 as the Musée des Sacres, featuring items such as Charlemagne's talisman. The CMN anticipates attracting 200,000 visitors annually. Verbeke's vision includes making these locations "accessible, welcoming, and lively" while rebuilding the audience ahead of the reopening.
Key facts
- Gautier Verbeke appointed administrator of Palais du Tau, Reims Cathedral towers, and Château de Haroué by CMN.
- He takes office in September 2026, succeeding Jocelyn Bouraly (in post since January 2022).
- Verbeke is director of mediation and public development at the Louvre since July 2023.
- He holds a DEA in art history and worked at Palais des beaux-arts de Lille, Fnac, and Louvre-Lens.
- At Louvre-Lens (2014-2023) he focused on community engagement and audience development.
- He co-curated 'Mondes souterrains' exhibition at Louvre-Lens in 2024.
- Palais du Tau closed since 2022, reopening in 2027 as Musée des Sacres.
- Museum will display Charlemagne's talisman, Holy Ampulla, and Charles X coronation costumes.
- CMN targets 200,000 annual visitors to the new museum.
- Verbeke aims to make sites 'accessible, welcoming, and lively' and develop partnerships.
Entities
Artists
- Gautier Verbeke
- Jocelyn Bouraly
Institutions
- Centre des monuments nationaux
- Musée du Louvre
- Louvre-Lens
- Palais des beaux-arts de Lille
- Fnac
- Palais du Tau
- Reims Cathedral
- Château de Haroué
- Musée des Sacres
Locations
- Reims
- France
- Meurthe-et-Moselle
- Lille