The Saade family, known for their business empire including the shipping line CMA CGM SA, has made a significant contribution to the Louvre museum in France. The donation, described as “pivotal,” will support the establishment of a new department dedicated to Byzantine and Christian art of the Orient. While the exact amount of the donation remains undisclosed, both the family’s company and the museum emphasize its exceptional nature and its capacity to facilitate the creation of this new department.
The project entails the display of a collection of around 20,000 objects owned by the Louvre or currently being acquired by the museum. These artifacts will be showcased in a series of rooms, with displays rotating periodically, starting in 2027. This initiative aims to enrich the museum’s offerings and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Byzantine and Christian art from the Orient.
Tanya Saade Zeenny, daughter of Jacques Saade, the late founder of CMA CGM SA, highlighted the family’s strong ties to the Mediterranean region. Jacques Saade’s journey from war-torn Lebanon to France, where he established the shipping line in Marseille in 1978 with just one leased vessel, underscores the family’s deep connection to the Mediterranean and their commitment to supporting cultural endeavors in the region.
Rodolphe Saade, Tanya Saade Zeenny’s brother and the current CEO of CMA CGM, has spearheaded an ambitious expansion strategy for the company in recent years, significantly raising its public profile. In his role as chief executive officer, Rodolphe Saade has actively participated in business delegations accompanying President Emmanuel Macron during foreign trips and official visits by heads of state to France.
In addition to their business endeavors, the Saade family and CMA CGM have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting cultural initiatives in France. The company has sponsored various projects, including the restoration of the Apollo basin in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the refurbishment of the Musee National de la Marine. These contributions underscore the family’s dedication to preserving and promoting France’s rich cultural heritage.