Tribute to Pontus Grate

November 2018. It is with much regret that we announce the passing of Pontus Grate, the very first director of the Institut Suédois in Paris, at the age of 96. A highly cultured man with an impeccable command of French, Pontus Grate played an incalculable role in developing cultural contacts between France and Sweden.

He trained as an art historian, and in 1969 the Swedish government tasked him with opening the new Swedish cultural centre in le Marais, the historic district in central Paris. He was then appointed its director in parallel with his role as cultural adviser to the Swedish Embassy from 1971 to 1977. He was held in affectionate esteem by his Parisian colleagues, and often returned to the Institut Suédois with his wife Elisabeth for both private and professional visits.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Elisabeth Grate and their children.