Paris, France, 3 June 2023 - The Institut de France and the city of Chantilly today paid tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan and expressed their deep gratitude for his contributions to the city’s cultural restoration. A ceremony that included the naming of a key road as the "Route de Son Altesse L’Aga Khan -- His Highness the Aga Khan Road” and unveiling of a plaque of appreciation at the Great Stables brought together many distinguished guests: Xavier Darcos, Chancellor of the Institut de France, Isabelle Wojtowiez, Mayor of Chantilly and departmental councillor of Oise, and Éric Woerth, member of the French National Assembly and former mayor of Chantilly. Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan, represented His Highness, and was accompanied by members of His Highness's family.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life of his community and the societies in which they live. Under His Highness’s leadership and direction, the Aga Khan Development Network has been engaged in education, health care, the restoration of cultural heritage and economic development, amongst other areas, in some 30 countries mainly in Asia and Africa.

His Highness's contributions to Chantilly have been a partnership involving the city of Chantilly, the region, the French State and the Institut de France. It was initiated in 2005 when the Foundation for the preservation and development of the Domaine de Chantilly was established. This collaboration contributed to the revival of the Chantilly racecourse, the conservation of the Château de Chantilly, its gallery of paintings (the second most important collection in France, after the Louvre in Paris), its park and its Great Stables (home to the Museum of the Horse, which presents the relationship between humans and horses since the beginning of civilisation), as well as the restoration of the Jeu de Paume and the preservation of works of art donated by the Duke of Aumale (1822-1897).

The Chancellor of the Institut de France, Mr Xavier Darcos, said:

“I would like to express my immense gratitude to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. For 15 years, through his immense generosity, he has supported the colossal renovation of the Château de Chantilly and its development. Thanks to him, this place, bearer of a strong cultural identity, has regained its former splendour and radiance. Attaching his name to the road is a testament of our deep recognition.”

The partnership with the city of Chantilly is part of a deeper relationship with France. In 2008, for example, the Aga Khan Development Network and the French Republic entered a partnership agreement that has enabled more than 50 development projects benefitting poor and marginalised communities in Africa and Asia. In 2018, President Emmanuel Macron awarded His Highness the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in recognition of his contributions to humanity. An ardent promoter of peace and pluralism, His Highness is also a founding member of the Paris Peace Forum, which convenes heads of state, leaders of international organisations and companies, and civil society organisations from around the world at its annual event, providing a place for dialogue and cooperation on global governance solutions. The Ismaili community, likewise, reflects this commitment to France through its civic contributions, embodying the Islamic ethics ​​of service, peace, compassion and care for the vulnerable.

Prince Amyn Aga Khan said in his remarks:

“My brother has always sought to present this heritage to the world, not as a shining testimony to the past, but as a beacon for tomorrow, a light to illuminate our daily lives. By preserving, conserving, restoring and rehabilitating, we transform the assets of the past into economic trampolines for future generations, while emphasising and reminding ourselves that what we share is greater, more essential, than our differences."

It is this heritage and these shared values ​​that the Institut de France and the city of Chantilly celebrated today.