CHATOU.- The Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO (MACS MTO), the first museum dedicated to the art and culture of Sufism, today announces the departure of its director Alexandra Baudelot. Appointed in 2023, Baudelot oversaw the establishment of the museum until its opening to the public in September 2024, alongside the curation of Un Ciel intérieur (An Inner sky): The inaugural exhibition of the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO on view until 6 April 2025. Claire Bay, President of the Board of Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO, will serve as Interim Director until a new director is appointed.

Alexandra Baudelot, Director of Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO, said: “Leading the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO through its inaugural phase has been a profound and rewarding experience. It has been an honour to contribute to the establishment of this unique institution, dedicated to exploring the artistic and cultural expressions of Sufism. I am grateful to the team, the artists, and our supporters for their commitment and passion. I am deeply thankful to the board of directors who offered me the opportunity to join them on this remarkable journey and bring their compelling vision to life. I look forward to seeing the museum continue to flourish in the years to come.”

Claire Bay, President of the Board of Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO, said: “Under Alexandra’s leadership, the museum successfully launched in 2024, establishing itself as a distinguished space for Sufi artistic and cultural enrichment. She played a pivotal role in shaping our long-standing vision, fostering a dynamic dialogue between historical collections and contemporary creation. Her curation of the inaugural exhibition Un Ciel Intérieur embodied our mission to bridge the principles of Sufism with contemporary artistic expression. Her unwavering dedication has been instrumental in laying the museum’s foundations, positioning it as a cornerstone of Sufi art and culture.”

The Museum is located on the banks of the Seine in the Parisian suburb of Chatou, facing the historic Île des Impressionnistes and housed in a 19th-century mansion. Acclaimed French scenographers Atelier Maciej Fiszer and architects Ducatillion Gimel have led the extensive renovation of the building, transforming it into an accessible and environmentally sustainable cultural space.

The establishment of the Museum was initiated by the Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi - School of Islamic Sufism. MTO Shahmaghsoudi is an international non-profit organisation with around 150 centres worldwide, spanning six continents. They strive to teach the principles of love, unity and harmony inherent in Sufism and are characterised by openness to students from all backgrounds.

MACS MTO is supported by the philanthropic organisations American Friends of Sufi Arts, Culture and KnowledgeTM (AFSACK®) and Canadian Friends of Sufi Arts, Culture and KnowledgeTM (CFSACK®).