Something Old, Something New… Searching for New Meaning in M’s Museum Collection
In 2017, M Leuven changed its permanent presentation of masterpieces to a dynamic ensemble of frequently-changing collection exhibitions. There were three key objectives: to achieve a better valorization of the vast and diverse collection, to promote interaction with the public, and to incorporate space for experiment and research in the museum galleries. The advantage of this new approach is that many lesser-known objects from the depot are now displayed, in addition to masterpieces that can be viewed in a different light. M experimented both on a museological-scenographical level and in terms of curatorial approach, all the while maintaining a fast pace. After five years of working in this way, M will present its new collection exhibition in June 2024, with a thoroughly sustainable and transhistorical reflex, and showing multiple perspectives and a multiplicity of voices. The new approach will take into account the lessons learned, which will lead to “slower” curating on several levels. By presenting the recent curatorial practice, this paper will illustrate how curators can navigate the challenges posed by changing views in the museum sector and work co-creatively with colleagues, as well as dealing with the increasingly digital organization of today’s art sector. Finally, it will show ways of giving the old fresh meaning by confronting it with the new – whether in art, technology, or new audiences.

^{Photo: Rob Stevens}

Marjan Debaene

M Leuven
Marjan Debaene is Chief Curator of Old Masters at M Leuven. She is an expert on late Gothic Brabant sculpture and painting. She published M’s first sculpture catalogue in 2014 and curated several exhibitions and collection presentations for M, including Sculptures from Bruges (2015), Plein Air (2015), Crossing Borders: Medieval Sculpture from the Low Countries (2017), Borman and Sons (2019), and Alabaster (2022). She also serves as the coordinator of Ards, the platform for medieval sculpture. Marjan studied Art History and Cultural Studies at the KU Leuven. Her doctoral research, entitled What’s in a name? Leuven sculpture re-examined focuses on sculpture produced in Leuven around 1500.