Commemorating the 140th Anniversary of Korea-France Diplomatic Relations
Collaboration on the Joint Museum Product 'Smile Collection'
On November 3, the National Museum Cultural Foundation signed a business agreement with Grand Palais RMN, a public institution under the French Ministry of Culture. Through this agreement, the two organizations plan to launch a joint museum product, tentatively titled the 'Smile Collection,' in 2026 to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. This collection will be released simultaneously at national museums in both Korea and France.
Grand Palais RMN is a public institution under the French Ministry of Culture that oversees cultural projects for France's major national museums, including the Louvre, Orsay, and Versailles. It was established in 2011 through the integration of the French National Museums Union, founded in 1895, and the Grand Palais, which opened in 1900. The institution operates a wide range of initiatives to popularize culture and the arts, including exhibitions, museum products, publishing, photo archives, digital content, education, and events.
Currently, with a workforce of approximately 900 specialists, Grand Palais RMN supports cultural projects at 17 national specialty museums and 37 national museums and art galleries across France. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, fencing and taekwondo events were held at the Grand Palais, drawing attention as a model for the convergence of culture and sports.
The collaboration with Grand Palais RMN will focus on the joint development of museum products under the theme of 'Smile.' Both organizations are reviewing artifacts related to 'Smile' that can represent each country as candidates, and will finalize the selection based on symbolic cultural heritage that resonates with both nations.
Building on this agreement, the two organizations plan to expand cooperative projects utilizing museum content and infrastructure, including performances and cultural events, arts and culture education, and visitor exchanges. Through these efforts, they aim to jointly establish a sustainable model for cultural diplomacy connecting Europe and Asia.
Although it may be difficult to display iconic artifacts such as the Pensive Bodhisattva and the Mona Lisa side by side, the foundation believes that museum products can creatively realize emotional connections between artifacts. Accordingly, the foundation plans to actively pursue overseas projects to develop museum products as a new platform for public diplomacy, rather than simply as souvenirs.
Jung Yongseok, President of the National Museum Cultural Foundation, stated, "MU:DS is a platform that connects the cultural messages of museums with everyday life today. This collaboration with Grand Palais RMN will be a turning point that goes beyond simple product development to expand international cultural exchange based on museum content." He added, "We will introduce the depth and beauty of Korean cultural heritage to the world and continue to promote the public and international value of museum content."
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