HERGE MUSEUM – "Caricature" exhibition
Yesterday we announced today's (22 January) opening of a temporary exhibition on the theme of caricatures. As soon as we heard about the events linked with Charlie Hebdo, we realised that this would be a good way to pay homage, in the style of Hergé, to those caricaturists who lost their lives.
At the end of the day on Wednesday, a meeting was held with the Mayor of Louvain-la-Neuve and the police. Security measures and other prudent steps were discussed, in light of the turbulent period and state of alert the country presently finds itself in: a single guarded entrance to the Museum and the permanent presence of two people within the Charlie Hebdo exhibition. The police also explained the potential risks that should be taken into account. Following clarification of the situation we have decided not to open our exhibition this morning, as it may cause anxiety for our staff and for the inhabitants of Louvain-la-Neuve. If, in the days and weeks to come, the level of national alert is brought down, we may go back on this decision.
Nick Rodwell