Lars Nittve moves to Hong Kong

- to head one of the most important museum projects of the decade

PRESS

Earlier this year, Lars Nittve announced that he will be leaving Moderna Museet when his term is up in October. By that time, he will have been its director for a six-year period followed by a three-year period, the maximum term allowed for directors of government organisations in Sweden. Since the announcement, many people have been wondering about Lars Nittve’s plans for the future. Now it’s settled. At the beginning of 2011, Lars Nittve is moving to Hong Kong, where he will embark on the development of M+ and what may possibly be the most extensive international museum project of the coming decade.

M+, denoting “museum and more” – is part of an extremely ambitious cultural venture initiated by the Hong Kong government (SAR). The West Kowloon Cultural District will be built on a 40-hectare peninsula in Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour – in the city centre. Funds corresponding to SEK 22 billion have been earmarked for the development of a district of theatres, concert halls – and the art museum M+. The ambition is to create an international cultural attraction in this metropolis with its 7 million inhabitants.

 M+ will operate as an independent foundation, but the funding and mission will come from the Hong Kong SAR. Lars Nittve’s assignment as museum director will be to formulate the museum’s vision, and to establish a team, build a collection and, of course, a building – in other words, to create a new museum from scratch.

“This is undeniably the optimum assignment,” says Lars Nittve. “The project is well-planned and pre-financed. Now I just need to put together a small, competent team, before we can start formulating the museum of the future. Hong Kong is a fantastic place in itself – one of the few real metropolises in the world, combining unparalleled energy with unbelievable orderliness. In the M+ project I feel that everything I have learned over the years, at Moderna Museet, Tate Modern, Louisiana and even Rooseum, will be truly valuable, and that I can really make a contribution to rapidly changing world.”

For more information, please contact:
l.nittve@modernamuseet.se
 
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