Anne-Claire Legendre, a prominent diplomat and a key advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron on North Africa and the Middle East, has been appointed to lead the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. This decision, reported by Le Monde, signifies a pivotal moment for the institution following a period of uncertainty.
At 46 years old, Legendre was chosen by the institute's board on Tuesday, with her appointment pending confirmation from a high council comprising representatives from the 22 member states of the Arab League. If approved, she will make history as the first woman to assume this role in the institute's four-decade existence.
Legendre steps into her new position after the unexpected resignation of Jack Lang, who led the institute since 2013. His departure followed renewed scrutiny regarding his past associations. Despite the controversies, Lang denied any wrongdoing and addressed staff before the investigation took place.
With a robust background in diplomacy, Legendre joined the Elysée's diplomatic team in December 2023 after serving as the spokesperson for France's foreign ministry for over two years. She previously held the position of France's consul general in New York and briefly led the embassy in Kuwait. A graduate of INALCO, her career has been dedicated to fostering relations with the Arab world.
During her tenure alongside Macron, she played a significant role in France's acknowledgment of the State of Palestine, working closely with Arab nations and Western allies during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
Her selection reflects a commitment to revitalizing an institution that has faced challenges in recent years, including a structural deficit exacerbated by inconsistent financial backing from its member states. A proposed expansion in Tourcoing has encountered funding obstacles, and the institute's influence has waned as other cultural entities in Paris have broadened their focus on Islamic art.
Moreover, the institute grapples with a broader identity issue. Established as both a cultural hub and a diplomatic conduit, the balance between these roles has become increasingly blurred. A report by France's Court of Auditors in 2024 urged French and Arab leaders to reevaluate the political vision that underlies the institution to align it with contemporary priorities.
Legendre now takes the helm of an institute that has facilitated high-level dialogues on various pressing issues, including Syria and Sudan, while often being overlooked in significant cultural collaborations, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi project and France's partnership with Saudi Arabia in Al-Ula.
