ICOM mourns the passing of Madame Christine Boël, née Schumann, esteemed member of ICOM, and member of the ICOM Foundation’s board since 1976 and president from 1995 to 2022. Christine Boël was a lifelong advocate for museum education and international cultural cooperation.
From her early work with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium to her instrumental support for museum education initiatives, Christine Boël championed access to culture as a universal right. A familiar and generous presence at ICOM gatherings, she believed deeply in the power of museums to connect people.
Through the ICOM Foundation, she enabled critical projects worldwide; supporting training, heritage protection programs and tools (including ICOM Red Lists), and grants for young professionals from underrepresented regions. Her legacy is one of vision, generosity, and enduring commitment to the values of ICOM.
In 2010, Christine was awarded the Legion of Honor in the rank of Knight for her involvement as president of the ICOM Foundation. Christine Boël’s contributions to cultural heritage were honoured in 2022 with the title of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. Her legacy is one of generosity, conviction, and lasting impact and her contributions will be remembered with deep gratitude.
