Georges Henri Rivière, Mucem, Marseille: 14 November 2018-4 March 2019

Museums haven’t always been part of the cityscape. They have a surprisingly specific history, most having been founded in a flurry of academic activity during the 19th century. The 20th century saw a new generation of curators reimagine what museums were for, and how they should work. Their influence is felt by tourists to this day even if they don’t realise it.

One of these 20th-century pioneers was George Henri Rivière (1897-1985), whose life and work are explored in detail at this new, self-titled exhibition. Inspired by the upheaval of working class- and rural culture in France, Rivière helped to develop the ‘popular’ exhibition: of everyday arts and crafts, rather than old or precious objects.

Driven by a fascination with Twenties and Thirties’ social change, Rivière saw museums as a place to reflect on, and engage with, the cultural trends of the day. He was involved, for instance, with Museum Trocadero and the newly-opened “Museum of Man”. A journalist as well as a curator, Rivière had close relationships with artistic titans such as Picasso.

Why visit a museum in the first place? Why are they so celebrated? Anyone wanting answers to these pretty pertinent questions needs to learn about Georges Henri Revière.

MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée)

7 Prom. Robert Laffont, 13002 Marseille