Center Pompidou's Expansion to Jersey City Suspended
The Center Pompidou's ambitious project to establish a branch in Jersey City, near New York, has been suspended indefinitely. The decision, confirmed by the institution on Tuesday, comes as a significant setback for the Parisian museum of modern art, which was set to open the new branch in 2027. The project faced cancellation due to escalating costs and financial constraints exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Financial and Political Challenges
The authorities of New Jersey cited the high cost as the primary reason for halting the project. An official letter addressed to Laurent Le Bon, president of the Center Pompidou, highlighted a significant increase in costs for public finances. The state of New Jersey also canceled funding of $18 million and demanded the reimbursement of $6 million already allocated. This financial strain is a major blow to the Center Pompidou, which is set to close for five years in France for extensive asbestos removal and renovation, costing an estimated 262 million euros.
The suspension of the project is also entangled in political calculations. The city of Jersey City attributes the state's decision to political maneuvering, suggesting it was a move against Mayor Steve Fulop for withdrawing his support for the governor's wife's Senate candidacy. Local Republican officials had also criticized the project, estimating a long-term cost of $200 million to taxpayers.
The New York partnership was to be the fifth major international branch for the Center Pompidou, which already has extensions in Malaga, Shanghai, and Brussels. The museum's expansion into America was seen as crucial for its contemporary art influence. Despite the setback, discussions between the Center Pompidou and Jersey City officials are expected to continue in search of a possible solution.
- The Center Pompidou's project in Jersey City was envisioned as a cultural and societal landmark, with initial sketches unveiled in 2021. The location, opposite Manhattan, was strategically chosen due to Jersey City's ongoing transformation and increasing artist population.
- The Parisian institution is currently seeking additional equity financing of 186 million euros for its future cultural projects upon reopening. The redevelopment plan for its Paris location involves a Franco-Japanese duo and a Mexican architect, aiming to revamp the museum's iconic structure designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers.
- Despite the current suspension, the Center Pompidou remains hopeful about its American ambitions, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. in the field of contemporary art. The museum plans to continue its efforts to secure funding through patronage, circulation of works, and potential international partnerships.
