My name is Philippe de Montebello. Philip de Montebello in English and with English pronunciation. I’m of French origin but have American citizenship. I’ve devoted my whole life to the history of art and to museums. For thirty-one years I was the Head of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Now I am an Honorary Trustee of the Museo del Prado. I don’t like talking about art. Which is why I’m not writing that many books. I don’t like it. And I can’t really do it. For me, to look at a picture is to do so in silence. Sharing … no, I’m not interested in that. I’ve shared simply because it was my job, but without pleasure.
Honorary Trustee of the Museo del Prado, Director Emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Professor at New York University, and advisor of the Hispanic Society of America.
Interview recorded on November 03, 2017