The cultural sector in Belgium is witnessing a significant development: Sara Lammens, general director of the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), will become the interim director of the AfricaMuseum starting October 1st. This appointment, on a temporary basis, marks a strategic step for the museum in Tervuren.
What's Happening
Sara Lammens will assume general leadership of the AfricaMuseum as interim director from October 1st. She will retain her position at the Royal Library of Belgium. It is not yet known how long this transitional period will last or who will ultimately succeed her as the permanent director of the AfricaMuseum. This temporary appointment offers the museum necessary stability while a definitive solution for the position is sought. The decision was widely reported, including by the Brussels news outlet Bruzz.
The future of cultural institutions in Brussels
The appointment of an interim director at the AfricaMuseum highlights the dynamics within Belgian cultural institutions. The museum, which has a rich history and complex collection, faces the challenge of remaining relevant in a changing cultural landscape. Lammens' expertise, gained at another prominent national institution, may be beneficial in this regard.
Background
The AfricaMuseum, located in Tervuren, holds an important place in Belgian cultural heritage. The institution has undergone a transformation in recent years to adopt a more inclusive and critical view of its collection and history. Sara Lammens brings a wealth of experience from the Royal Library of Belgium, where she is known for her leadership qualities and her ability to guide cultural projects. Her appointment as interim director at the AfricaMuseum can be seen as an attempt to ensure continuity and expertise during the search for a permanent solution.
What This Means for Belgium
This appointment has implications for both the AfricaMuseum and the broader Belgian cultural sector. It ensures the operational continuity of one of Belgium's most important museums and can provide new impulses for ongoing projects. The collaboration between the Royal Library of Belgium and the AfricaMuseum, however temporary, can also lead to the exchange of best practices. Minister of Science Thomas Dermine (PS) is presumably involved in the decision-making regarding federal cultural institutions. This step underscores the importance the Belgian government attaches to the management and development of its heritage institutions.
The appointment of Sara Lammens was reported by Bruzz on July 7, 2026.