Sylvain Amic, Musée d’Orsay President Who Aimed to Democratize Art, Dies at 58

Sylvain Amic, the former president of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, passed away at the age of 58. Amic's tenure was marked by his efforts to democratize art and make it more accessible to the public. Amic's upbringing in sub-Saharan Africa had made him particularly sensitive to the issue of France's restitution of cultural treasures taken during the colonial era. He was a vocal advocate for the return of these artifacts to their countries of origin. During his time as the president of the Musée d'Orsay, Amic worked to expand the museum's audience and make it more inclusive. He organized exhibitions that highlighted underrepresented artists and cultural perspectives, and he also sought to make the museum more welcoming to visitors from diverse backgrounds. Amic's passing is a significant loss for the art world, as he was widely respected for his commitment to making art more accessible and representative of different cultures and perspectives.