| American Center for Art and Culture | |
| Location: | 34 Avenue de New York 75116 Paris, France |
| Map Type: | France Paris |
| Coordinates: | 48.8631°N 2.2948°W |
| Former Name: | Mona Bismarck American Center |
| Established: | 1986 |
| President: | Karen Altuzarra (U.S.) Anne-Hélène Monsellato (France) |
The American Center for Art and Culture, formerly known as the Mona Bismarck American Center, was a cultural institution in Paris, France, that was active from 1986 to 2022. It was dedicated to the presentation of American creation and culture.[1]
The center was launched in 2011, based on the legacy of the Mona Bismarck Foundation, which was established in 1986 following the death of its founder and sole benefactor, Countess Mona von Bismarck. She was an American philanthropist who donated her Parisian townhouse and the majority of her estate to found the Mona Bismarck Foundation, as "her desire was to establish a Cultural Centre in Paris to enhance the cause of American/French friendship upon her death".[2]
On 4 July 2019, the Mona Bismarck American Center became the American Center for Art and Culture.[3] On 12 December 2022, it was announced that the center was selling the property, with proceeds going to the American Library in Paris.[1]
Located near the Seine, across from the Eiffel Tower, the hôtel particulier (French for 'townhouse') at 34 Avenue de New York was built at the end of the 19th century. The building was featured in a 1928 issue of Vogue.[4] It was reconfigured for Mona Bismarck during the late 1950s by French interior decorator Stéphane Boudin.
One exhibition of American art was presented each year, in partnership with international institutions. Exhibitions focused on a single artist or theme and represented a range of artistic styles and movements.
Notable exhibitions
Exhibition samples
The American Center for Art and Culture invited the public to discover American culture through a program of concerts, performances and discussions .The center was also often rented out for private events at night.
The program Look & Learn aimed to broaden French students' appreciation of American culture and art while creating a friendly environment where students could feel comfortable expressing themselves in English.