Event Recap: "Les réserves des musées – Écologies des collections"

📅 February 6, 2025 | 📍 musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Paris

Last night, Noémie Etienne took part in a discussion about the book Les réserves des musées – Écologies des collections, published by les presses du réel. She was joined by Tiziana Beltrame, Frédéric Keck, Éléonore Kissel, Yaël Kreplak, and Vincent Saporito as part of the Jacques Kerchache Reading Series.

The event sparked engaging debates about museum storage spaces, which, while rarely visible, hold over 90% of collections. Speakers explored their political dimensions, sustainability, accessibility, and future relevance. How can these spaces balance preservation, restricted access, and ecological responsibility?

The discussion encouraged dialogue between museum professionals, academics, activists, and artists, shedding light on the essential work of storage managers and conservators in caring for and sharing collections while navigating ethical and environmental challenges.

A big thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and contributed their insights!

Speakers:
🔹 Noémie Étienne (Art History & Heritage, University of Vienna)
🔹 Tiziana N. Beltrame (Anthropologist, University of Padua)
🔹 Frédéric Keck (Research Director, CNRS-Collège de France-EHESS)
🔹 Éléonore Kissel (Head of Conservation, musée du quai Branly)
🔹 Yaël Kreplak (Sociologist, University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)
🔹 Vincent Saporito (Head of Collections, musée du quai Branly)