State Department Notice: Culturally Significant Objects Exhibition Determinations

FR: State Department

Published March 20th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Department of State has issued a notice determining that certain objects being imported for the "Picasso-Klee-Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen" exhibition are of cultural significance and their temporary exhibition in the U.S. is in the national interest. This determination is made pursuant to specific U.S. code and executive orders.

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The Department of State has published a notice formally determining that specific objects being imported for the "Picasso-Klee-Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen" exhibition are of cultural significance. This determination, made under the authority of 22 U.S.C. 2459 and related executive orders, designates the imported items as culturally significant and deems their temporary exhibition in the United States to be in the national interest.

This notice serves as a formal declaration for the exhibition planned at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and potentially other venues. While this is an informational notice regarding a specific exhibition, it establishes a precedent for similar determinations. Importers and custodians of culturally significant objects for exhibition should be aware of the process and requirements outlined by the Department of State, particularly concerning the national interest and cultural significance criteria.

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Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “Picasso-Klee-Matisse: Masterpieces From the Museum Berggruen” Exhibition

A Notice by the State Department on 03/20/2026

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Public Inspection Published Document: 2026-05538 (91 FR 13691) Document Headings ###### Department of State

[Public Notice: 12973]

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that certain objects being imported from abroad pursuant to an agreement with their foreign owner or custodian for temporary display in the exhibition “Picasso—Klee—Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museum Berggruen” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in Houston, Texas, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, are of cultural significance, and, further, that their temporary exhibition or display within the United States as aforementioned is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Reed Liriano, Program Coordinator, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202-632-6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, 2200 C Street NW (SA-5), Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522-0505.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order ( printed page 13692) 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000, and Delegation of Authority No. 523 of December 22, 2021.

Sherry C. Keneson-Hall,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.

[FR Doc. 2026-05538 Filed 3-19-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4710-05-P

Published Document: 2026-05538 (91 FR 13691)