Republican report criticizes delayed Centre Pompidou outpost project in New Jersey A Republican state senator, Michael Testa, has voiced concerns over the Centre Pompidou outpost project in Jersey City, New Jersey. The project, which aims to establish a branch of the Parisian museum, has faced delays, with its opening pushed to 2026 from the original 2024 target. In a recently released memorandum, commissioned by Senator Testa, the project is described as a "circus of waste and excess." The report highlights $58 million in state funds allocated over the past two years without sufficient oversight or meaningful progress.
The memorandum also alleges that contracts for the project were awarded with limited competition and without public bidding. More than 30 consultants were reportedly hired, leading to claims of excessive spending, including on consultants to find other consultants. According to Tom Neff, the budget director for the state Republicans and the author of the document, certain contracts were awarded based on a "pay-to-play" arrangement involving donations to state politicians.
The Centre Pompidou x Jersey City project is a key component of Mayor Steve Fulop's plan to enhance the city's cultural appeal. The initiative seeks to transform the historic Pathside Building into a world-class venue for Modern and contemporary art, contributing to the revitalization of the Journal Square transit hub area. The architectural firm OMA, led by partner architect Jason Long, is in charge of the renovation.
Senator Testa criticized Mayor Fulop and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, both Democrats, for allocating substantial funds without effective oversight. Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, a spokesperson for Mayor Fulop, dismissed the memorandum's claims, asserting that it was based on incomplete or incorrect information.
Once completed, the Jersey City outpost will become the fourth international location for the Centre Pompidou, following spaces in Shanghai, Brussels, and Málaga. The museum has further international outposts in development, and its Paris headquarters will undergo a five-year renovation starting in 2025.
Selena Mattei