How Museums Can Lead the Way in Sustainability

Insights from the Centre Pompidou Roundtable

In an era where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of global conversations, museums have a unique opportunity to lead by example. On 26 February 2025, MUSEUM BOOSTER, in cooperation with the Angelina Usanova Foundation, will host the Roundtable on Sustainability in Museums at Centre Pompidou, Paris. This gathering of museum professionals from across Europe will explore how cultural institutions can embrace sustainability, reduce their environmental impact, and inspire change.

The Role of Museums in Sustainability

By adopting sustainable practices, museums can reduce their ecological footprint while influencing millions of visitors worldwide to rethink their own impact on the planet. From energy-efficient infrastructure to sustainable exhibition design, the possibilities for greener museums are immense.

Key Highlights of the Roundtable

This year’s roundtable at Centre Pompidou will feature actionable insights from experts in the field.

• Keynote Speech by Rob Hopkins – The founder of the Transition Towns movement and author of How to Fall in Love with the Future will discuss the role of imagination in shaping a sustainable future for museums.

• Case Study from Serlachius Museums – Pauli Sivonen, Director of Serlachius Museums, will present their journey toward ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, providing a real-world example of sustainability in museum operations.

• Sustainability at Centre Pompidou – As one of France’s leading cultural institutions, Centre Pompidou has implemented various sustainability initiatives that will be shared as a model for other museums to follow.

• Interactive Workshop with Rob Hopkins – Participants will engage in a hands-on workshop exploring practical steps for integrating sustainability into museum strategies.

Why This Matters

Sustainability in museums is not just an option—it’s a necessity. As institutions that educate and inspire, museums must take responsibility for their ecological impact and lead the way in sustainable practices. Whether through innovative building designs, renewable energy integration, or sustainable curation, the cultural sector can set an example for the broader public.

What’s Next?

A summary report of the roundtable discussions will be shared with the museum community following the event, providing key takeaways and actionable steps for institutions looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.