Who is Hugo Lucchino, the new general manager of Villa Noailles in Hyères?

This Thursday, Minister of Culture Rachida Dati announced that she had approved the appointment of Hugo Lucchino as director of the Villa Noailles in Hyères. In response to the financial crisis that hit the National Art Center in the spring, the local authorities, the main funders of the Villa Noailles, located in Hyères, had agreed to the separation of the management.

On one side, an artistic director, responsible for programming, and on the other, a general director, responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the structure. While it retains its status as an association—at least for the time being—the Villa operates almost exclusively with public money.

Until now, Jean-Pierre Blanc, a long-time figure at the Villa, fulfilled both roles. A dual role that some believe explains the financial decline observed.

“In-depth knowledge of the fashion and design sectors”

The Ministry of Culture has just announced that it has approved the appointment of Hugo Lucchino to the position of Director General.

The green light was given " in full agreement with Pascale Mussard, President of Villa Noailles, Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, Jean-Louis Masson, President of the Var Departmental Council, Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon-Provence-Méditerranée Metropolis and Mayor of Hyères, and Josée Massi, Mayor of Toulon," states the press release from Rachida Dati's ministry.

He added that Hugo Lucchino currently serves as Secretary General of the Palais Galliera, the Fashion Museum of the City of Paris. "Hugo Lucchino's project is perfectly in line with the history, the territory, and the challenges of the Villa Noailles and demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of the fashion and design sectors," the minister emphasized.

Three candidates were interviewed at the end of July by the jury responsible for recruiting the new director. Hugo Lucchino was selected on the latter's unanimous recommendation. He is expected to arrive in Hyères in the fall.