The president of the MuCEM, Pierre-Olivier Costa, has been suspended from his duties for sexual and moral harassment.

Pierre-Olivier Costa is no longer the director of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM). The Ministry of Culture announced on Tuesday the suspension of his duties as president of the MuCEM, effective July 1st. This decision comes as the former advisor to Emmanuel Macron has been the subject of an investigation for sexual and psychological harassment since March. The Ministry specifies that the suspension, requested by Costa himself, is a precautionary measure.

A journey to the heart of the State

Pierre-Olivier Costa, 58, had held this position since November 2022. A law graduate from Panthéon-Assas University, he had previously served at the highest levels of government. A special advisor to the President of the Republic, he had also been Brigitte Macron's chief of staff. His career in the cultural sector began in 1994 at the Journal des Arts, before a long stint at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais.

Interim management

The interim presidency of the Marseille museum will be assumed on July 1st, according to the Ministry of Culture. No details have been provided regarding the identity of the person appointed to this role or the expected duration of this transition. The MuCEM, a major cultural institution inaugurated in 2013, thus finds itself without a permanent director during the judicial investigation.