Turning heritage dialogue into action
On 9 July 2025, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at Kenwood House in London between INTO member organisations the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN), the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland, and our friends at English Heritage. This agreement marks a bold step toward deeper Franco-British cooperation in cultural heritage – and it was catalysed by two key visits that brought the vision to life.
Laying the groundwork
The journey toward this MOU began in November 2024, when Antoine-Marie Préaut, Inspecteur des Affaires Culturelles, visited the UK for a two-day programme co-ordinated by the Institut Français and INTO. This included visits to Osterley Park and Munstead Wood, where he explored how the National Trust balances conservation with commercial activity, public engagement and volunteerism.
Préaut’s visit was instrumental in shaping understanding of the UK heritage model. It provided a practical foundation for discussions around governance, sustainability and community involvement – key themes that would later be formalised in the MOU.
A turning point
Building on this momentum, CMN President Marie Lavandier visited the UK in April 2025. Her three-day itinerary, also co-ordinated by INTO, included visits to Ham House, 2 Willow Road and Fenton House. These experiences offered a deeper look at how the National Trust’s new vision and strategy are implemented on the ground.
Mme Lavandier met with senior leaders from the National Trust, English Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland, and engaged in rich discussions about the future of heritage management. Her visit was not only a moment of learning, it was a moment of alignment. Solidifying a shared ambition to collaborate more closely and explore how the National Trust model might inspire a ‘National Trust à la française’.
L-R: Lord Lemos CMG CBE, Chair, English Heritage; René Olivieri CBE, Chair, National Trust; Marie Lavandier, President, Centre des Monuments Nationaux; Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport); Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France; Philip Long, OBE FRSE, Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland
INTO and National Trust teams welcome Marie Lavandier, President, Centre des Monuments Nationaux, to Ham House
The bridge between vision and action
INTO has been the quiet architect behind this growing partnership. Since CMN’s first exploratory visit in 2022, we have facilitated dialogue, hosted study visits and nurtured relationships that have culminated in the 2025 MOU.
From early conversations about volunteerism, membership and branding, INTO has helped connect the dots. This has included fostering a growing partnership between National Trust London and CMN around the care and interpretation of twentieth century properties, reflecting a shared interest in how modern heritage can be preserved and made meaningful for contemporary audiences.
The MOU: A framework for shared success
The MOU signed in July 2025 is a powerful statement of intent. It commits the four organisations to:
- Protect and celebrate cultural heritage
- Exchange expertise and best practices
- Enhance public engagement and sustainability
- Explore reciprocal member access and cultural exchange
It also opens the door to joint initiatives, artistic residencies, site twinning and forums on heritage policy and practice.
We are delighted to be a signatory of this historic agreement, enabling a new partnership among our nations to better protect and celebrate our precious heritage, and which has never been more needed.
Toward a French National Trust
Culture Minister Rachida Dati has tasked CMN with exploring the creation of a ‘French National Trust’. The MOU and the relationships behind it are helping to shape that vision.
For INTO, this partnership is a shining example of what international collaboration can achieve. By connecting people and ideas across borders, INTO helps shape the future of heritage. A future which is rooted in civic participation, local stewardship and sustainable management.
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