Pierre-Nicolas Bounakoff

On 22 October 2024, Pierre-Nicolas Bounakoff delivered guest lectures for the Arts Administration and Methodology and Research in Art History courses. His talks explored art history research practices, museum policy, the French government's role in cultural preservation, and ethical challenges in curatorial practice. Students were particularly interested in his discussion of the Accélérateur Grand Louvre d’analyse élémentaire, a particle accelerator used in art conservation at the Louvre’s Center for Research and Restoration. He also emphasized the irreplaceable value of in-person museum experiences and addressed ethical concerns around transparency and colonial histories in collections. His overview of career pathways at L’École du Louvre offered valuable context on the qualifications and expectations for museum professionals in France, broadening the students understanding of international approaches to curatorial careers.