Episode 64 Saving Extraordinary Places with World Monuments Fund CEO and President Bénédicte de Montlaur

Bénédicte de Montlaur is the President and CEO of the World Monuments Fund (WMF), the world’s foremost private organization dedicated to working with local communities around the world to safeguard irreplaceable cultural heritage. After growing up in a small town in France and falling in love with languages, a school trip to Cario catapulted Bénédicte’s global career. She spent 17 years working across three continents as a senior diplomat at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also served as Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the United States, where she led France’s largest international cultural advocacy network. She’s a polyglot with a background in the arts, culture, politics, international diplomacy, and human rights who believes strongly in the power of cultural exchange, which ultimately led her to her current position at WMF.

In this episode, Melissa and Bénédicte explore the role of cultural advocacy and the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites, something we often take for granted.Through powerful conversation, they explore the greatest threats cultural heritage sites are facing today due to climate change, conflict and tourism. Bénédicte details her journey into diplomacy and the many eye-opening places it has taken her. She also dives into the history of WMF and shares stories from the field —  including one of the most marvelous places she’s visited in Lalibela, Ethiopia. She shares her vision for the future, the treasured places that have inspired her most and some of the transformative  projects happening on the World Monuments Fund Watch (the Mosul Museum in Iraq set to open in 2026 is one you’ll want to add to your travel list).

Plus, don’t miss Melissa’s tip for finding cheap flights and this week’s travel hack on how to be a responsible traveler.

Lightning Round with Bénédicte:

• A world monument or cultural heritage site that inspired you most? The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia for their combination of exceptional architecture and human significance. I was there during Easter and was moved by the thousands of pilgrims visiting from all over the country to attend extraordinary ceremonies.
• An underrated museum you think travelers should visit? The Gayer-Anderson Museum in Cairo. And don’t miss the Ibn Tulun Mosque right next door!
• Favorite cultural site or monument in France? Paris as a whole, especially the Musée Rodin and Montmartre. Or maybe the MUCEM in Marseille.
• What about your job inspires you the most? Being exposed every day to the extraordinary diversity of human creativity and meeting passionate people.
• A book you think everyone should read? Palmyra: An Irreplaceable Treasure by Paul Veyne.
• Something on “your watch” for 2024? The 5-year anniversary of the rehabilitation of Notre Dame de Paris and its reopening.
• Next on your travel list? Cambodia and Thailand in January.