Villa Albertine and the Smithsonian Launch a Multi-Year Partnership
By Villa Albertine
Villa Albertine and the Smithsonian Institution have signed a multi-year agreement, marking the first formal partnership between the two organizations to collaborate on programs and exhibitions that bring French art and culture to American audiences.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on December 5, 2025, at a reception hosted at the residence of the French Ambassador to the United States, Laurent Bili, with leaders from both institutions and curators from major U.S. museums in attendance.
This new partnership establishes a strong foundation for collaboration in the arts, culture, and education. More than just an exchange, the partnership represents a shared vision to deepen ties and inspire future projects between two world-class institutions.
Through this agreement, Villa Albertine and the Smithsonian will work to expand transatlantic dialogue and create new opportunities for artistic residencies, research initiatives, educational programs, and public engagement. Both institutions reaffirm their belief in cultural cooperation as a driver of knowledge, creativity, and mutual understanding.
This long-term collaboration aligns with Villa Albertine’s broader strategy to build enduring partnerships across the United States—most recently with the Getty in Los Angeles—and to continue expanding these initiatives in the years ahead.
Stay tuned for upcoming exhibitions and programs supported by this new partnership.
In partnership with
The Smithsonian Institution
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers and libraries. Two of the 21 museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in the early planning stages. The Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, which began in 2018 in a quiet phase, was publicly launched this September 2024 with a goal of $2.5 billion. There are more than 6,200 Smithsonian employees and 3,800 volunteers. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 157 million, of which nearly 148 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.si.edu
The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” We continue to honor this mission and invite you to join us in our quest.