The Centre Pompidou in Foz do Iguaçu : A New Era for Art in Latin America

Foz do Iguaçu, already renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, is preparing to become a new nerve centre for contemporary art with the inauguration of a branch of the Centre Georges Pompidou. This project, a first in Latin America, symbolises a major cultural bridge between Europe and Brazil.

Centre Pompidou de Paris (Bigstock)

The government of Paraná, under the aegis of Secretary of Tourism Márcio Nunes, has actively supported the initiative, recently signing an agreement for the construction of the museum near the city’s airport. Funding for the construction will be provided by the State, while future management will be open to competition from Brazilian companies, underlining the importance of public-private collaboration in this ambitious project.

The introduction of this contemporary art museum is intended not only to enrich Foz do Iguaçu’s cultural offering but also to stimulate the local economy. With tourism already contributing 10% of regional GDP, the addition of the museum promises to boost this contribution by attracting art lovers and professionals from all over the world.

The vision for the museum in Foz do Iguaçu is to become a hub for contemporary art, offering unique exhibitions and international collaborations, as well as serving as a platform for local and international artists. This development is an affirmation of Brazil’s commitment to culture and art, bringing Foz do Iguaçu into line with other major cultural cities around the world.

Ratinho Junior, Governor of the State of Parana, said: “Foz do Iguaçu is one of the country’s most visited cities by foreign tourists, one of Brazil’s main tourist attractions and recently won the award for the fifth most popular destination in South America. We want this new cultural space (…) to be an additional attraction for the city and for Paraná”.

The Centre Pompidou in Paris, which will close its doors from 2026 to 2030 for a complete restoration, has formed a number of partnerships around the world with the aim of taking part of its collection, estimated at 140,000 works, of which around 10,000 are on loan, on the road.

Marc Pottier, international coordinator of the project, explains that “Beyond the museum project, this exchange is very important. Some Brazilian artists have been exhibited in France. And this exchange will be very important in the future”.

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This new museum in Foz do Iguaçu symbolises an open door to contemporary art for the whole of Latin America. By offering a unique platform for artistic exchange and promoting cultural tourism, this venue is destined to become a pillar of the region’s cultural and economic life, enriching the global art scene. Brazil’s commitment to promoting culture, combined with the expertise of the Centre Pompidou, promises a future rich in artistic discovery and inspiration.