WFFM Archives

Featured, UPCOMING EVENT, WFFM, YOUNG FRIENDS

5 November 2025

WFFM General Assembly 2026 in Athens: registrations and program

WFFM will hold its 2026 General assembly in Athens from April 23 to 26.

Members registration is now open at:

We’ll start on Thursday 23 at the War Museum with a colloquium organized by the Hellenic Federation of Friends of Museums, ΕΟΣΦΙΜ, on the challenges the museums are facing today with the participation of representatives from Greek and international museum institutions. We will continue in the afternoon with our usual Academic session, which will allow each country to discuss the actions carried out by its Friends of Museums over the past year. A welcome cocktail will conclude this first day.

On Friday and Saturday mornings, the Council and the Young Council will prepare the groundwork for the future while the other WFFM members and accompanying people will visit iconic places in Athens.

We will meet up in the afternoons to visit he city’s outstanding museums such as the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the Museum of Modern Greek Culture.

On Saturday evening, we’ll celebrate the 50^th anniversary of WFFM and the 40^th anniversary of ΕΟΣΦΙΜ.

Then, we’ll hold the WFFM General Assembly on Sunday morning at the Historical Museum of Athens in the place where the Greek Parliament used to sit, before meeting up for a farewell lunch in the gardens of the Numismatic Museum, weather permitting.

Provisional Program:

Thursday, April 23, all participants

War Museum Amphitheater

09:00-09:30 Welcome and WFFM participants registration
10:00-14:00 Colloquium “Friends and Museums: Challenges and perspectives in an ever-changing world” organized by ΕΟΣΦΙΜ, the Hellenic Federation of Friends of Museums
14:00-15:00 Light lunch in the premises
15:00-17:30 Academic session: WFFM members achievements in 2025
19:00 Reception and cultural entertainment

Friday, April 24

Council meetings, Royal Olympic Hotel rooms

09:30-12:30 Council and Young Council meeting: Following the colloquium, how could Friends of Museums respond to the new challenges museums are facing? Then separate Council and Young Council sessions

Other members and accompanying people

09:30 Museum of Modern Greek Culture (MNEP) visit followed by the Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology visit

All participants

13:00 Acropolis hill and Parthenon visit
14:30-15:30 Free time for lunch
15:30-17:00 Guided tour of the Acropolis Museum
18:00-19:00 Athens Town Hall visit: guiding and refreshments

Saturday, April 25

Council’s meetings, Royal Olympic Hotel rooms

9:30-12:30 Council and Young Council sessions then Council and Young Council gather for conclusions

Other members and accompanying people

09:30-12:30 Archeological Museum visit, then move to the Byzantine and Christian Museum

All participants

13:00-14:00 Byzantine and Christian Museum visit
14:00-15:00 Free time for lunch
15:30 -17:00 Visit to the Greek Parliament, old Royal Palace of Greece, and its exhibitions
19:00: Benaki museum visit
20:00 Official dinner in the Benaki museum to celebrate WFFM’s 50^th Anniversary and ΕΟΣΦΙΜ 40^th anniversary

Sunday, April 26, all participants

● 09:30-12-00 General Assembly in the Athens Historical Museum, first location of the Greek Parliament

● 14:00-14:30 Farewell lunch in the gardens of the Numismatic Museum

PAST EVENT, WFFM, YOUNG FRIENDS

9 December 2025

German Federation of Friends of Museums Young Friends Meetings in 2025

Each year, the Young Friends of the German Federation meet twice to exchange and discuss current ideas or problems. The spring Meeting 2025 was held in Hamburg on 28th and 29th of March and the Autumn Meeting took place on the 21st and 22nd November in Wolfsburg.

In Spring we were welcomed by two hosting organisations, the Young Members of the Bucerius Kunst Forum and the Young Friends of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. The first day of our conference, we were invited to hold our session in the Bucerius Kunst Forum. Overlooking the Town Hall and the market square of the Hamburg City Center, the day was spent discussing the subject of Art Education and how to build bridges between the museum and our target audience. A presentation on Art Education and a guided tour through the exhibition „In Her Hands. Women Sculptors of Surrealism“ completed our first day.

The next morning, we met at the Hamburger Kunsthalle and exchanged best practices around marketing ideas and how to tie our members closer to our museum. Inbetween our sessions we headed for a guided tour through the exhibition „Illusion. Dream – Identity – Reality“.

For our second conference in 2025 we were invited by the Young Generation of the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg. In our sessions we talked about AI and how to use it in associations, we discussed new event formats and had a workshop on an AI project within the Kunstmuseum. Apart from that we were fortunate enough to attend a exhibition opening for the romnja Artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas.

We also held an informal election, as the second person to help organise our yearly confreence is appointed for two years. Thank you Hannah, for your engagement the last two years! And welcome Anne-Sophie as the Speaker for the next two years!

We are already looking forward to our next Meeting which will be held in March 2026 in Nürnberg.

PAST EVENT, WFFM, YOUNG FRIENDS

10 November 2025

National Meeting of the Federação de Amigos dos Museus de Portugal, October 26th-28th

In September 26th, 27th and 28th, the National Meeting of the Federação de Amigos dos Museus de Portugal (FAMP) was held at the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua.

Over three days, the idyllic landscape of the Douro Valley provided a stunning backdrop to an event filled with engaging and enriching experiences, including an exclusive visit to the museum and a peaceful boat trip along the river. These moments allowed for reflection and conviviality in a truly special setting.

The programme was designed by FAMP to encourage meaningful discussion on the role of friends of museums, and featured several sessions in which associations from across the country – from north to south – shared the work they have been developing. Among the highlights were the contribution of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Museus e Monumentos de Portugal, as well as the testimonies of the directors of the Lamego Museum, the D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeology Museum, and the National Coach Museum. All emphasised the crucial role played by the friends of museums in promoting and enhancing cultural heritage, underscoring the significance of the event within Portugal’s cultural sphere.

FAMP also gave prominence to its younger voices. Young participants from Lisbon, Coimbra, and Évora looked back on the three previous Youth Meetings and presented the activities carried out throughout 2024, reflecting on the early stages and development of the group. They discussed Portugal’s representation on the Youth Council of the World Federation of Friends of Museums, offering insight into their current project. They also highlighted the strengthening of ties and the fruitful exchange with young friends of museums from other countries – connections that have greatly enriched their experience. The group revisited its participation in several international gatherings, including the WFFM General Assemblies held in Luxembourg and Naples, as well as the special session in Rome with Pope Francis.

The young participants reaffirmed their commitment to bringing new generations closer to museums and expressed genuine enthusiasm for the group’s steady growth, particularly noticeable in recent months. The meeting also provided an opportunity to outline proposals for activities to be developed in 2026 – always with the aim of encouraging young people to take an active role in cultural life – and offered moments of relaxed social interaction, strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation among participants.

The 2025 National Meeting showcased FAMP’s thoughtful planning and high-standard coordination, which played a key role in making this edition a success. It reaffirmed the vital role of friends of museums in promoting culture and heritage in Portugal, while celebrating both the natural beauty of the Douro region and the collaborative spirit that unites all those committed to this cause.

2. Presentation of the Young Friends of Museums

1. Opening of FAMP’s 2025 National Meeting

2. Participants of the 2025 National Meeting

Featured, PAST EVENT, WFFM

22 October 2025

WFFM European Mediterranean meeting

Members are gathering in Paris from October 24th to 26th.

They will have 2 workings sessions at the Safeguarding of French Art Foundation around the following topics:

Extended European Day of Friend of Museums
Preparation of the 4^th International Day of Friend of Museums

Past, present and future activities will be presented and discussed including the presentation of new members.

The members will also visit the:

Cartier Foundation for contemporary art
Institut of the Arab World
International Cultural Heritage Fair

They will have dinner at the:

Cercle national des Armées
Brasserie Mollard

PAST EVENT, WFFM

1 October 2025

European Day of Friends of Museums at MUSEC: Museo delle Culture, Lugano

On Sunday 12 October, MUSEC will offer two guided tours open to the public to raise awareness of the activities of the CLUB of CULTURES.

On this occasion, there will be an opportunity to take part in a free guided tour of two temporary exhibitions at MUSEC and, during an aperitif, to discover the activities of the CLUB of CULTURES. In addition, every new member of the CLUB will receive a free MUSEC branded cloth bag as a gift.

PAST EVENT, WFFM, YOUNG FRIENDS

1 October 2025

Visit to the Fortabat Foundation by FADAM Youth Program

On Friday, September 26th, the FADAM Youth Programme visited the Fortabat collection.

Young people from different associations were invited to a guided tour of the foundation led by director Germán Barraza.

Students from the University of San Andrés (@udesa) were also invited to take part in the visit, allowing them to learn about the different programmes offered to young people by the associations that form part of FADAM.

PAST EVENT, WFFM

1 October 2025

Friends of Museums Day is celebrated in the American University of Beirut

PAST EVENT, WFFM

17 September 2025

Canada Friends of Museums Day, October 5, 2025

MediaPost_ 2025 Canada Friends of Museums Day

Featured, PAST EVENT, WFFM

23 July 2025

General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums

Naples and Caserta, May 15-18, 2025

Fourteen countries, Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, the United Kingdom, met or joined forces at the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums, held over four days in Naples and at the Royal Palace of Caserta, in order to implement the new action plan for the World Federation prepared by the Executive Committee.

Fifty-five Friends, including seventeen young people and two representatives of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the president of its foundation, former ICOM President, and the secretary general of the Italian national committee actively participated in these discussions. ICOM’s involvement in these talks stems from its recent decision to recognize the WFFM as an affiliated organization in order to cooperate more closely in the interests of museums.

Five priorities were defined during the Council meetings: to increase the number of member federations and associations in Asia and Pacific, Europe, North and South America, while striving to forge new relationships around the Mediterranean and in Africa; to develop international partnerships with ICOM in the first instance, but also with UNESCO; deepen the exchange of experiences between Friends, particularly through digital means; increase their visibility by internationalizing the European Day of Friends of Museums; and finally, continue the restructuring of the World Federation.

An effort is thus being made by European federations to build closer ties with museum friends in countries around the Mediterranean and in Africa. The arrival of Lebanon, with the membership of the Society of Friends of the American University of Beirut Museum announced in Naples, is a first step in this direction.

A Young Council bringing together one or two representatives from countries with Young Friends groups has been created to share their experiences, develop common tools, and structure a collective dynamic on a global scale.

The Young Friends gathered in Naples around the theme: “How to create and maintain an international network of Young Friends?” A first concrete project has emerged: an interactive world map of Young sections that will serve as a starting point for building a true international network of Young Friends.

As an ICOM-affiliated organization, the WFFM and its members can now establish direct contact with all ICOM international committees, regional alliances, and national committees, particularly to help them identify and connect with new museum friends federations or associations.

A new website has been launched to promote the activities of Friends of Museums around the world and provide members of the World Federation with a dedicated space for exchanges. HOME – WFFM

The third edition of European Friends of Museums Day, scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, will go international with the participation of Canada and, most likely, Argentina.

Several working groups have been set up to revise the World Federation’s code of ethics, identify and contact old and new members, recruit individual members, and seek funding.

Finally, the World Federation’s office is reopening in Paris to facilitate exchanges between Friends of Museums coming to or passing through the French capital, as well as research using the international archives held by the French Federation.

PAST EVENT, WFFM

12 July 2025

Friends of Museums Day Celebration in Argentina

On June 12, FADAM celebrated Friends of museums Day at the Tigre Art Museum (very
close to Buenos Aires). Most of the country & 39 associations attended. Marta Alvarez Molindi,
president of the Argentine Federation of Friends of Museums (FADAM), opened the event by
commenting on the WFFM meeting and assembly in Naples and Caserta, and the museum
director gave a lecture on the management of art donations. At the end, there was an
exclusive guided tour of the exhibits of works donated by two important collectors, followed
by lunch and a toast. Several Friends Associations donated items from their shops for a
raffle. It was a wonderful day of fellowship and exchange of experiences.

Featured, PAST EVENT, WFFM

18 May 2025

Council and General Assembly Meeting of the WFFM Naples, Pompeii and Caserta from 15 to 18 May 2025

WFFM federations and associations will meet in Naples – Caserta for four days to exchange information and to visit the attractions in Naples and Caserta.

The preliminary program and registration form are available below:

Registration →

Featured, WFFM

11 January 2025

WFFM Letter: Notre-Dame de Paris, December 28th 2024

Our letter to all the workers and donators who contributed to the renovation of Notre-Dame de Paris.

English

French

Spanish

WFFM

29 October 2024

FEAM Newsletter: October 2024

Click here for the FEAM October 2024 Newsletter. :

FEAM Newsletter

WFFM

26 September 2024

New Website Announcement: FEAM

FEAM has a new website! We invite you to explore our new portal, designed to offer a clearer and more accessible presentation about the Friends, the associations and the Federation. We have worked to make it easier for anyone interested to understand who we are and what we do.

PAST EVENT, WFFM, YOUNG FRIENDS

24 September 2024

Report: WE’RE NOT JUST A TREND: ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUEER. GUIDED TOURS & EVENTS ON QUEER PERSPECTIVES IN ART AT THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE

Written By Shanice Page

Sep 24, 2024

“WE’RE NOT JUST A TREND: ART HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUEER. GUIDED TOURS & EVENTS ON QUEER PERSPECTIVES IN ART AT THE HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE”

Change happens very quickly for those, who keep their eyes on the past. This seems to be especially true, if you look at Old Masters in an Art Museum, which show us a world that does not exist anymore – or has never existed?

Last Tuesday, Jenny Saitzek from the Hamburger Kunsthalle introduced us to a series of formats, that present a different perspective on art and that were initiated in 2022 related to an exhibition. “Femme Fatale. Gaze – Power – Gender” at the Hamburger Kunsthalle was the starting point to explore another view on history – a queer feminist perspective. This very successful exhibition gave the necessary courage to explore new topics, in the form of a Salon Fatale. Within the Salon, conversations about diversity, inclusion and queerness were initiated, laying the groundwork for what was to come the following year.

In her half hour talk, Jenny Saitzek laid out the four different formats that were organized by the Kunsthalle, namely:

Queer Collection Tours
Drag – Guided Museum Tours
Queer Salon
Pride Week

Jenny explored the team’s idea of introducing a queer gaze to the museum, and the doubts and difficulties that crossed their path in the process, even though the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. But one major assumption was, that the museum would need a queer collection to carry out such an event. She realized, during her work with the LGBTQ+ Community within the collection, that the museum can reshape its perspectives, by explicitly recognizing queer content and opening up to queer perspectives. This reframing emphasizes the fact that museums do not need to create a separate “queer collection” but rather, that it is possible to integrate and recognize queerness within existing works and collections.

Jenny Saitzek then provided the audience with a series of hard facts and data, that show how well received these events are – in fact, they are so popular, that the maximum capacity of participants is exceeded on a regular basis. She ended her talk with a key sentence for her experiences with her newly developed events: Success begins with courage and ends with luck.

Portrait of Jenny Saitzek

WFFM

14 August 2024

Summer Internship With Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums

Portrait+of+Anna+Boyd+and+Madeline+Siaroff

Montreal, Canada

This Summer we have had the amazing opportunity to work as Coordinator interns at Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums (CFFM) offices at Maison Forget in Montreal! We have learned so much about working in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector and have made valuable connections with museum friends and professionals across Canada. In addition, we have had the opportunity to undertake many interesting projects and have outlined some of our favourites below!

Young Friends Network and Tour of the McGill Visual Arts Collection

We had the delightful opportunity to participate in a Tour of the McGill University Visual Arts Collection organized in collaboration with the Montreal Young Friends (YF) community this July. This event allowed us a unique opportunity to connect with Montreal YF Coordinators Audrey Gray and Qinglian Zhang, as well as YF members and; engage with McGill University museum professionals, fostering relationships and learning about the visual arts field. At the same time, we are coordinating the Fall event program for the Ottawa and Montreal YF chapters, and helping to expand YF to new cities across Canada.

Communications and Publications

As Interns, we have developed graphics, photos and story content for CFFM social media. We have also had the opportunity to write for many interesting CFFM-related publications. Anna is working on an article about Mr. Ghislain Picard (McCord-Stewart Museum Board President in Montreal) for the September issue of Volunteer Voices (CFFM’s monthly newsletter) highlighting his contributions to the cultural sector. Additionally, Madeline is writing a feature on a local museum volunteer for the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network Magazine and for the CFFM Newsletter, Au Courant.

Learning About Board of Directors

Anna participated in a CFFM Board Meeting in June and acted as the Recording Secretary, as well as prepared the Meeting Agenda. This was good experience in Board governance and procedures for the future.

Looking Ahead

In August, we are excited to be participating in an Indigenous Allyship workshop to learn about personal and professional pathways to Indigenous reconciliation. This experience will equip us with the tools to be more effective allies to Indigenous communities both while working at CFFM and beyond. We are also helping to organize an evening of networking for Museum Professionals at Maison Forget with the Canadian Museum Association.

Wrapping Up

We are grateful for this opportunity to intern at CFFM and are excited to apply what we’ve learned in our future endeavors as friends of cultural heritage and the arts in Canada!

Anna Boyd and Madeline Siaroff (both undergraduate students at McGill University in Montreal, Canada) during their CFFM Internship.

Stage d’été avec Fédération canadienne des amis des musées

Par Anna Boyd et Madeline Siaroff

Montréal, Canada

Cet été, nous avons eu la chance de travailler en tant que coordinatrices stagiaires dans les bureaux de la Fédération canadienne des amis des musées (FCAM) à la Maison Forget à Montréal ! Nous avons beaucoup appris sur le travail dans le secteur des GLAM (galeries, bibliothèques, archives et musées) et avons noué des liens précieux avec des amis et des professionnels des musées à travers le Canada. En outre, nous avons eu l’occasion d’entreprendre de nombreux projets intéressants et nous vous présentons ci-dessous quelques-uns de nos préférés !

Réseau des jeunes amis et visite de la collection d’arts visuels de McGill

Nous avons eu la chance de participer à une visite de la collection d’arts visuels de l’Université McGill organisée en collaboration avec la communauté montréalaise des Jeunes Amis (JA) en juillet dernier. Cet événement nous a donné l’occasion unique d’entrer en contact avec les coordinatrices des YF de Montréal, Audrey Gray et Qinglian Zhang, ainsi qu’avec les membres des YF, et d’échanger avec les professionnels des musées de l’Université McGill, favorisant ainsi les relations et l’apprentissage dans le domaine des arts visuels. En même temps, nous coordonnons le programme des événements d’automne pour les sections d’Ottawa et de Montréal de la FJ, et nous aidons à étendre la FJ à de nouvelles villes à travers le Canada.

Communications et publications

En tant que stagiaires, nous avons développé des graphiques, des photos et du contenu pour les médias sociaux de la FCAM. Nous avons également eu l’occasion d’écrire pour de nombreuses publications intéressantes liées à la FCAM. Anna travaille sur un article sur M. Ghislain Picard (président du conseil d’administration du Musée McCord-Stewart à Montréal) pour le numéro de septembre de Volunteer Voices (le bulletin mensuel de la FCAM), qui souligne ses contributions au secteur culturel. De plus, Madeline rédige un article sur un bénévole d’un musée local pour le magazine Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network et pour le bulletin d’information de la FCAM, Au Courant.

Apprendre à connaître le conseil d’administration

Anna a participé à une réunion du conseil d’administration de la FCAM en juin et a agi en tant que secrétaire de séance, tout en préparant l’ordre du jour de la réunion. Ce fut une bonne expérience de la gouvernance et des procédures du conseil d’administration pour l’avenir.

Perspectives d’avenir

En août, nous sommes ravis de participer à un atelier sur l’allié autochtone afin d’apprendre les voies personnelles et professionnelles de la réconciliation autochtone. Cette expérience nous fournira les outils nécessaires pour être des alliés plus efficaces des communautés autochtones, à la fois dans le cadre de notre travail à la FCAM et au-delà. Nous participons également à l’organisation d’une soirée de réseautage pour les professionnels des musées à la Maison Forget, en collaboration avec l’Association des musées canadiens.

Conclusion

Nous sommes reconnaissantes d’avoir eu l’occasion de faire un stage à la FCAM et nous avons hâte d’appliquer ce que nous avons appris dans nos futurs projets en tant qu’amies du patrimoine culturel et des arts au Canada !

Anna Boyd et Madeline Siaroff (toutes deux étudiantes de premier cycle à l’Université McGill de Montréal, Canada) pendant leur stage à la FCAM.

WFFM

17 July 2024

FADAM News

FADAM NEWS | Marta Alvarez Molindi, Presidente

FADAM started the year with two highly expected cultural trips, one to the summer city of Pinamar and the other one to Corrientes, accompanying the art fair of that province.

On the outskirts of the city a great sculpture collector lived and a few years ago he decided to sell his entire collection. The company that created Pinamar and other places decided to purchase all of them and place them in public locations such as the golf course, the hotel, the nursery, and the streets. The visit included trips to art venues and an emblematic hotel in a nearby town. Nearly 40 people attended.

We paid special attention to the Friends Association of the Historical Museum of Pinamar, which is continually striving to secure a larger and dedicated space to exhibit the city’s history.

During the visit to Corrientes, activities were held with members of the four friends associations of the city’s museums, visiting private collections and attending conferences. All of this is part of the training plan that FADAM develops for its more than one hundred federated friends associations.

Similarly, the monthly meeting of delegates was held at the renovated Centro Cultural Recoleta, an emblematic space located in the heart of Buenos Aires that has hosted the most important artists from the country and abroad.

Photos provided by María Eugenia Sosa, FADAM

PAST EVENT, WFFM

16 May 2024

Reflections and Gratitude: the 2024 General Assembly in Luxembourg

Welcoming friends of museums from all over the world to Luxembourg has been an absolute pleasure for the Amis des Musées Luxembourg. The enthusiasm and active participation in all the activities truly overwhelmed us. We believe our four-day program successfully showcased that Luxembourg boasts a rich cultural heritage and numerous exciting museums waiting to be explored.

The journey began with the Academic Session at Cercle Cité, featuring distinguished guests including HRH Princess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, Eric Thill, the Minister of Culture, Simone Beck, President of the Luxembourg Commission for UNESCO, Carolyn Forster, President of the WFFM and numerous representatives of WFFM members presenting their reports.

Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour of the Lëtzebuerg City Museum, first welcomed by Lydie Polfer, Major of Luxembourg and the museum director, followed by a delightful dinner at the museum’s restaurant.

The following day featured an insightful Executive Council Meeting at the National Museum of History and Art, with guided tours showcasing the national treasures of Luxembourg. This was followed by a visit to the iconic “The Family of Man” photo exhibition in Clervaux.

The evening was dedicated to contemporary art at the Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, where participants explored the exhibition “Forced Amnesia” and engaged with local artists and curators, concluding with a cocktail and performance-concert.

On Saturday, the focus shifted to the historical Musée Dräi Eechelen, discussions on engaging younger generations of museum friends and guided tours of the fortress’s history. Optional activities included a visit to the European Investment Bank’s corporate art collection. The day wrapped up with a contemporary art exploration at MUDAM, featuring visits, a poetry reading, an arty dinner and a bit of dancing.

The Congress concluded on Sunday with the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums at MUDAM, followed by a guided tour of Villa Vauban and a lovely luncheon in the museum park.

Overall, the event provided a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience, facilitating the exchange of ideas on promoting art and cultural heritage and sharing experiences as friends of museums.

On behalf of all the Amis des Musées Luxembourg, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your enthusiastic participation.

Day 1 – 2 May 2024

– Academic Session at the Cercle Cité
– Visit of the permanent exhibition at the Lëtzebuerg City Museum
– Cocktail at the Lëtzebuerg City Museum
– Dinner at L’Hêtre, Lëtzebuerg City Museum Restaurant

Day 2 – 3 May 2024

– Council Meeting of the WFFM

– Visit of the Nationalmusée

– Visit in Clervaux of « The Family of Man » (Edward Steichen)

– Visit and dinner at Casino Luxembourg

nnn

Day 3 – 4 May 2024

– Round Table at Musée Dräi Eechelen

– Lunch at Musée Dräi Eechelen

– Visit Musée Dräi Eechelen

– Council Meeting at Musée Dräi Eechelen

– YFM Meeting at Musée Dräi Eechelen

– Visit of the EIB Collection

– Poetry reading by Alice Notley at Mudam

– European Day of Friends of Museums Meeting

– Welcome and Introduction at Mudam

– Visit of the exhibition at Mudam

– Cocktail and Dinner at Mudam

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn n nnnnnnn nn nnnn n n nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn nn n n n n
n nn n n n n n n n nn nn nn n n nn n n n n n n n n n n n n n n nnnnnnnnn

nnn

Day 4 – 5 May 2024

– General Assembly at Mudam

– Visit at Villa Vauban

– Lunch at Villa Vauban

– Portraits

WFFM

10 February 2024

PROGRAM: Council and General Assembly Meeting of the World Federation of Friends of Museums from 2 to 5 May 2024

We are pleased to present the program of the upcoming meeting including special arrangements for Young Friends of the Museums. Our Friends of the Museums association is associated with the six museums and art centres of the City of Luxembourg. You will be welcomed and guided by their directors, introducing what makes each museum and art centre unique and original. Click here to see interviews of the directors of the museums.

INVITATION & REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Young Friends of the Museums:

All visits will be accompanied by a guide for the Young Friends of the Museums. For certain meals, tables will be specifically reserved for the Young Friends of the Museums, to encourage dialogue. On Saturday afternoon, time will be dedicated to the Young Friends of the Museums, to discuss programmes that could be developed in the months and years to come.

Thursday 2nd May – Afternoon

The afternoon will start with an academic session in the presence of HRH Princess Stéphanie of Luxembourg and the Minister of Culture, Mr Eric Thill, who will address the participants as well as Florence Reckinger, President of the Friends of Museums of Luxemoburg and Carolyn Forster, President of the WFFM.

Theme: Discovery of the history of the City of Luxembourg

Following the academic session, we will proceed to the Lëtzebuerg City Museum, where we will have a guided tour with Mr Guy Thewes, the museum Director. Telling the story of the city, its territory, and its population, from its origins in the 10th century to the present day, placing it in both a national and transnational context, lies at the heart of this institution’s mission, and this presentation will provide an initial insight on these angles.

Dinner will also be held at the restaurant of the Lëtzebuerg City Museum.

Friday 3rd May – Morning

Theme: Discovery of the national treasures of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

During the morning, we will have a guided tour at the Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart (National Museum of History and Art), in the presence of its Director, Mr Michel Polfer. Located at the heart of the city centre, this museum, a space of over 6,000 m2, presents Luxembourg’s national archaeological, historical, and artistic collections. Thematic routes (Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Fine Arts, Decorative and Popular Arts) and temporary exhibitions resonate with both the museum’s own collections and societal issues, providing an overview of relevant themes in the Grand Duchy as a whole. We will also visit the exhibition of photos by Edward Steichen, a Luxembourgish photographer of international renown.

Friday 3rd May – Early Afternoon

After the visit, lunch and departure for the exhibition of The Family of Man in Clervaux. The Family of Man photo exhibition is a legendary element in the history of photography and globally recognised. Curated by Edward Steichen and first presented in 1955 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, it is considered a manifesto for peace and equality among peoples, expressed through the humanistic photography of the post-war era. The collection comprises a total of 503 photos by 273 photographers from 68 countries. After touring more than 150 museums worldwide, the complete version of The Family of Man has been permanently exhibited at Clervaux Castle since 1994 and was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register in 2003.

Friday 3rd May – Late Afternoon

Theme: Discovery of the Contemporary Art Centre

Our day will continue with a visit to Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain. Founded in 1996, this venue showcases exhibitions on contemporary art through an international programme, primarily focusing on artists from younger generations. In contrast with many conventional museum programmes, the Casino Luxembourg operates as a laboratory for artistic experimentation and emerging trends. Its Director, Kevin Muhlen, will welcome us and introduce an exclusive artist performance for our group.

Dinner will be held at the Casino, followed by a festive evening.

Saturday 4th May – Morning

We will be welcomed by François Reinert, Director of the Dräi Eechelen Museum (Museum of the Three Acorns), where a round table discussion on the theme of transmission and inclusion will be organised, followed by two workshops. The ancient fortress hosting the museum appropriately contains a distinguished collection of armaments and military artefacts, however it is also intended as a centre for collaboration and research on historical and contemporary themes.

Round Table: Next Generation

Topic: How to pass on the torch to the younger generations of Friends of the Museums

Workshops / Discussions:

1. Best practices in communication

2. Friends of Museums: players in city culture

Lunch on the museum terrace.

Saturday 4th May – Early Afternoon

Theme: Discovery of the fortress’s history

After lunch, we will have a guided tour of the Three Acorns Museum with its Director, Mr François Reinert.

Young Friends of the Museums: Meeting of the Young Friends of the Museums to share best practices, discuss young friends’ expectations and challenges. Debriefing of the morning round table. Focal point: Discussions on strengthening collaborations between national federations, among young friends’ groups.

Optional visit of a Corporate Collection: Following the afternoon sessions, you have the choice between free time or visiting the collection of the European Investment Bank, in the presence of its curator, Delphine Munro. Advance registration necessary

Saturday 4th May – Late Afternoon

Theme: Discovery of contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art

Visit to the Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art moderne Grand-Duc Jean, the Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg, with its Director, Bettina Steinbrügge, who will offer us a dedicated program.

The Mudam aims to be a leading museum for modern and contemporary art and an iconic institution in Luxembourg in terms of artistic and cultural excellence. Through its programmes, the Mudam promotes creativity, visionary thinking, openness, and broad participation in culture. Like Luxembourg, the Mudam draws on its situation at the heart of Europe, with a global outlook.

Artsy dinner at the Mudam.

Sunday 5th May – Morning

General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums at the Mudam.

After the General Assembly, visit to Villa Vauban, where we will be welcomed and guided by its director, Mr Guy Thewes.

Theme: Discovery of the collections, largely donated by art enthusiasts and Luxembourgish collectors.

The exhibitions organized at Villa Vauban draw from the collections of the City of Luxembourg, which consist mainly of Dutch Golden Age works (17th century), on one hand, and French historical and landscape paintings from the 19th century, on the other. Paintings, sculptures, and engravings by European artists from the 17th to the 19th century complete the collection. The City of Luxembourg’s collections also include numerous works by Luxembourgish artists, especially from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Lunch in the garden.

Sunday 5th – Afternoon

Optional: Visit to the Mansfeld site.

The Mansfeld site includes the remnants of the castle and gardens, as well as the landscape created by the governor of the Duchy of Luxembourg, Count Pierre-Ernest de Mansfeld (1517-1604). Like the great figures he encountered at the Court of Brussels, Mansfeld used art and architecture to enhance his standing and influence. The result was one of the most important private residences of the Renaissance in the former Netherlands.

______

This programme is preliminary and content may change. A finalized programme will be shared with attendees closer to the date of the Annual Meeting.

With the exception of the bus tour, we will walk or use Luxembourg’s public transportation system to visit museums and other attractions. In Luxembourg the public transport is free of charge.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us: Luxembourg-2024@amisdesmusees.lu

WFFM

9 February 2024

The French Group Action Jeunes: a dynamic relationship between young people and museums

n

Meeting with Young Friends delegates, 50th anniversary of the FFSAM, Musée Cluny, Paris, June 2023 © FFSAM

Within the French Federation of Friends of Museums, the Action Jeunes Group, made up of 11 Young Friends of museums, is dedicated to three key objectives to create strong links between young people and the cultural wealth of museums.

1- Raising awareness and encouraging young people to join Friends of Museums associations

One of the main aims of the Action Jeunes Group is to make these associations more visible and attractive to young adults. They are working together on actions to highlight the opportunities offered by these associations, actively encouraging young people to join them and become members.

2- Facilitating the emergence and harmonious development of Young Friends sections

The Group also works to support the creation and development of Young Friends sections within associations, offering them advice, resources and guidance. In this way, the young people’s sections enable young people to meet up, exchange ideas and become actively involved in the association to support the museum.

3- Exchanging feedback and encouraging interaction between Young Friends

The Action Jeunes Group promotes exchange and interaction between Young Friends from different associations. The Federation’s annual congress is an opportunity for associations to come together to share their experiences, ideas and actions. The Action Jeunes group has set up a common annual theme for the Young Friends sections to encourage exchanges between young people throughout France. The annual congress concludes the work on the chosen theme, giving young people the opportunity to present and share their thoughts on the subject. This enables young people to share their experiences, ideas and actions. This initiative strengthens cohesion between the Young Friends sections, encouraging mutual learning and collective support.

These objectives can also be illustrated through an annual event, such as European Museum Friends Day, which is held on the second Sunday in October. This project, created by the European Federations of Friends of Museums, is an opportunity for associations to raise their profile by organising an event in their museum.

Young Friends sections are also invited to take part. For the first European Day in 2023, the Young Friends sections in Ile-de-France organised a competition on Instagram, offering the winners free membership of the section of their choice. The Young Friends of the museums in Aix-en-Provence, Poitiers and Vannes were also able to take part in the day, offering a variety of visits and activities.

The aim of the Action Jeunes Group is to foster a new era of community involvement and passion for museums, driven by young people.

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amis_ffsam/

Website : https://www.ffsam.org/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/FFAmisdemusees

n

Young Friends delegates on stage in the Musée d’Orsay auditorium, 50 years of the FFSAM, Paris, June 2023 © Michel Astier

WFFM

18 December 2023

Honoring former WFFM President Caroline Serventy, 1930-2023

n nn n

Caroline Serventy OAM
1930 – 11 December 2023

Conservationist and influential supporter of museums in Australia and internationally, Caroline (Carol) Serventy OAM passed away in December 2023. Carol and her husband, Vincent Serventy, were noted conservationists in the 1960s and 1970, and encouraged Australians to protect their natural environment.

Carol made notable contributions to the world of museums, beginning in 1972 when she chaired the committee that founded the Australian Museum Society (TAMS), with the goal of supporting the Australian Museum in interesting a broad spectrum of the public in the environment and its conservation.

In 1975 Carol was a prime mover in establishing the Australian Federation of Friends of Museums (AFFM), and became the first Australian President of the World Federation of Friends of Museums (WFFM) from 1997 to 1999, hosting a world congress of WFFM, ‘New Century, New Museums, New Friends’ in Sydney in 1999.

Carol was also instrumental in the formation of the Friends of the National Museum of Australia in March 1989. Her passionate advocacy for the Museum, along with other influential Australians, contributed to the decision by government to establish the National Museum of Australia, which opened in March 2001 on Acton Peninsula, Canberra.

WFFM

18 November 2023

2024 General Assembly Preview: About the Young Friends Network in Luxembourg

In 2017, Joana and Mélanie became part of the executive team at the Luxembourg Friends of Museums (Amis des Musées du Luxembourg) and co-founded the Young Friends of Museums section.

The “Amis des Musées” regularly organise guided tours across the six partner museums:

Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain
Lëtzebuerg City Museum
Mudam
Musée Dräi Eechelen
Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart
Villa Vauban

These events extend beyond museum walls to encompass cultural institutions, art centres, artist studios, galleries, and more. Members are invited to openings, partake in complimentary guided tours, engage in lectures, and enjoy exclusive meetings with artists, curators, and fellow art and history enthusiasts. Additionally, they have access to art trips all around the world.

While the program caters to all members, Joana and Mélanie observed that young professionals struggled to participate due to their work commitments. To make the organisation more appealing to a younger audience, they created the Young Friends of Museums section and introduced a new activity format known as the “Arty Hours.” During these afterwork events, members aged 18 to 35 meet for guided tours of art exhibitions followed by socializing over drinks.

The Young Friends have also organised weekend excursions to cities like Paris and Brussels, enabling members to explore exhibitions and art fairs.

Currently, the Young Friends of Museums have 73 members and have lined one to two activities each month for the 2023/24 season.

Joana currently works as a digital and communication manager for the brand image promotion initiative at Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Before joining the nation branding team, she used to be a lawyer in corporate litigation.

Mélanie currently holds the position of head of liaison overseeing VIP and Programme management for Luxembourg Art Week, the international contemporary art fair in Luxembourg. She used to be project coordinator for over 50 community lead projects in the Esch2022, European Capital of Culture, programme. She has contributed to several exhibitions organised by Lët’z Arles, which is a cultural organisation that each year supports and promotes Luxembourg artists at the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival.

WFFM

21 October 2023

Report: European Day of Friends of Museums 2023

On October 8, 2023, friends associations across Europe participated in the first European Day of Friends of Museums. The event engaged and energized federations with dedicated activities around a variety of themes. During a video conference on October 20, 2023, participants confirmed interest in planning a European Day of Friends of Museums for 2024 and shared highlights, including:

FRANCE (FFSAM)

Approximately 40 associations participated in the theme of “Hospitality” in the museums
Some associations doubled the usual number of visitors in the museum; others broke their membership records in a single day
Smaller museums in smaller places reported good participation
Read more about these highlights: Newsletter 1, Newsletter 2, Newsletter 3

ITALY (FIDAM)

43 associations participated on the theme of “lived and represented landscape”
FIDAM received three recognitions: patronage of the European Parliament and of the ministry of Culture, medal of the Presidency of the Republic, for the third time

PORTUGAL (FAMP)

FAMP had a great turnout of about 40% to 50% of its associated groups
Participants reported they are very enthusiastic about the purpose of creating the European Day and are sharing these news with their Friends

SPAIN (FEAM)

45 associations used the logos for this day — especially in the media — and 25 organized dedicated activities
Ministry, directors of museums have congratulated the initiative of the European day

PAST EVENT, WFFM

13 October 2023

European Day 2024

“Your museum, our passion “

The European Day 2024 aims to celebrate Friends of Museums groups throughout Europe and to give the Friends of Museums visibility and more recognition in an event that is specific to them and not to be confused with those organized by museums.

Museum enthusiasts across Europe – united in national federations of Friends of Museums within a worldwide Federation – inaugurated the annual European Day of Friends of Museums on the second Sunday of October 2023.

The purpose is to raise the profile of Friends of Museums in Europe on a single day when each association highlights the actions it carries out throughout the year and raises the profile of their museum. On the 1st European Friends of Museums Day, Sunday October 13, we shall emphasize that museums are a heritage to be enjoyed by all and we have a shared responsibility for their preservation and promotion.

Over a thousand friends of museums associations all over Europe participate. They celebrate the importance of museums as custodians of heritage, as spaces of encounter, and cultural enrichment for all. They are driven by passionate individuals who want to share and spread their enthusiasm. They support their museums in purchasing works of art, financing exhibitions and projects, and taking on important tasks in cultural education.

World Federation of Friends of Museums, WFFM https://thewffm.org/

WFFM

27 August 2023

Friends of the Museums Singapore 45th Anniversary Celebration – September 2023

Monday, 4th September 2023
🕙: 10 am – 12:30 pm
📍: Asian Civilisations Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium & Foyer (Basement)

Programme
10 – 11 am: Browse the activity tables at the ACM basement foyer and connect with fellow FOM members & volunteers
11 am: Please be seated in the Auditorium for the welcome speech by FOM President Millie Phuah, followed by a keynote by Prof Tommy Koh
11.10 am – 12.10 pm: Monday Morning Lecture (MML) by contemporary artist Kanchana Gupta (Click here for more info on MML)

The event is free and no registration is needed. The Ngee Ann Auditorium at ACM for the MML has limited seating capacity and guests are welcomed on a first come first served basis.

Please save the date and we look forward to seeing you on 4th Sept!

WFFM

3 August 2023

Presentation & Statuts: 50th Anniversaire Fédération Française des Associations d’ Amis de Musées

Allocution de Rima Abdul-Malak, ministre de la Culture
La ministre de la Culture s’adresse aux Amis de Musées

The French Federation is now “Fédération Française des Associations d’ Amis de Musées, but for the time being retains the acronym FFSAM.

All FOM regional groups and Young Friends join our board.

FFSAM Presentation Juillet 2023
FFSAM Statuts Juin 2023 VF
A propose de la FMAM
A proposito de la FMAM

n

*FFSAM and its 50th anniversary 2 to 4 June*

PAST EVENT, WFFM

17 February 2023

2023 WFFM GENERAL ASSEMBLY

On the year “Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums was held in the Avenue Louise district of the town.

This artistic movement first appeared in Brussels at the end of the 19th century, before spreading rapidly to France and the rest of Europe.

From a cultural point of view, the meeting allowed the discovery of some emblematic monuments of Art Nouveau: the Horta Museum, the Hotel Solvay, the Hotel Hallet and the recently renovated Hannon House.

In addition to the institutional meetings, two topics have been the subject of conferences and exchanges: Young Friends of Museums and “Friends of Museums, influencers?”

After several preparatory meetings, the general meeting also approved the launch in 2023 of an annual European Day of Friends of Museums to raise the profile of Friends of Museums.

14 February 2023

“Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”

On the year “Brussels, Capital of Art Nouveau”, the General Assembly of the World Federation of Friends of Museums was held in the Avenue Louise district of the town.

This artistic movement first appeared in Brussels at the end of the 19th century, before spreading rapidly to France and the rest of Europe.

In addition to the institutional meetings, two topics have been the subject of conferences and exchanges: Young Friends of Museums and “Friends of Museums, influencers?”

After several preparatory meetings, the general meeting also approved the launch in 2023 of an annual European Day of Friends of Museums to raise the profile of Friends of Museums.