Catherine Grenier's Vision for a Polymorphic Museum

Catherine Grenier, Deputy Director of the Musée National d'Art Moderne in charge of research and globalization, publishes 'La Fin des musées ?' (Éditions du Regard), a book that examines the future of museums despite its provocative title. The essay argues that museums must reinvent themselves by focusing on collections, research, and societal engagement rather than relying solely on blockbuster exhibitions. Grenier proposes the concept of a 'musée polymorphe' with six identities, emphasizing complementarity and collaboration with artists, universities, and diverse publics. She critiques creeping privatization and calls for a restoration of museums' prescriptive role based on five values: collection, connection, education, aesthetics, and economy. The book draws on examples from Tate Modern, MoMA, and Centre Pompidou, and will be complemented by the new presentation 'Modernités plurielles' at Centre Pompidou starting October 23, 2013.