Boghossian Foundation's Villa Empain Draws Record Visitors Post-Lockdown

The Boghossian Foundation in Brussels, established in 1992 by Lebanese-Armenian jewelers Robert, Jean, and Albert Boghossian, operates from the historic Villa Empain, a 1911 Art Deco masterpiece by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann. The foundation focuses on education, training, and intercultural dialogue, supported entirely by private funds. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the foundation introduced telework and maintained visitor engagement through social media and newsletters. Director General Louma Salamé stated that the foundation chose not to offer virtual tours, emphasizing the unique experience of encountering art in person, but enhanced its Instagram presence and online ticketing. The foundation received exceptional public support from the Belgian state during the crisis. To offset economic losses, the exhibition "Mappa mundi" was extended by six weeks until October 4, 2020. Since reopening on May 18, over 10,000 visitors attended, making it one of the most visited shows since the foundation's opening in 2010. The exhibition redefines early explorers' cartography through contemporary artworks, including pieces by Rudi Mantofani.