The new president of the Arab World Institute, Anne-Claire Legendre, praised the cultural momentum underway in Morocco under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, and affirmed that strengthening the “historic” partnership with the Kingdom will be among her top priorities. She is expected to pay soon a visit to Morocco, her first since taking office at the head of the IMA, a flagship institution of French cultural diplomacy.
In an interview with MAP on the occasion of a rich program dedicated to Morocco during the IMA’s 2026-2027 cultural season, Legendre stressed the Institute’s interest in reinforcing its partnerships with Moroccan institutions, particularly in the cultural field, “which is experiencing remarkable momentum under the impetus of His Majesty the King, as evidenced by the magnificent inauguration of the Royal Theatre of Rabat.”
“What is striking in Morocco today is its cultural richness and the extremely vibrant nature of the Moroccan cultural scene, which is also reflected in many institutions in France, as well as the number of museums and institutions that have been opened throughout the country thanks to HM King Mohammed VI,” she said.
Speaking about her upcoming visit to Morocco, scheduled for June, she noted that it represents a contribution to the exceptional partnership linking the two countries.
“The Arab World Institute obviously intends to contribute to this. We also hope to open an even more ambitious chapter in our relations and cooperation with Morocco,” Legendre said, welcoming the “historic partnership” maintained by the IMA with Moroccan cultural institutions, such as the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, notably through the annual prize awarded by this institution during the Arab World Institute’s History Days, as part of its support for the festival recognizing “historical work” and rewarding historians working on the Middle East, the Mediterranean and North Africa.
“We are naturally very grateful to the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco for this constant support,” stressed the IMA president, who also referred to a series of museum cooperation projects launched with the National Foundation of Museums.
