The Victor Hugo Centre is over a quarter of the way to its fundraising goal of £7.5 million.
The update was announced at the charity’s event celebrating Hugo’s birthday at Les Cotils.
The Centre has received £2 million in funding pledges and donations, including matched funding from the States of 50 pence for every £1 raised privately.
“This is a significant milestone towards the creation of the Victor Hugo Centre that demonstrates the generosity of islanders and a recognition of the benefits that the Centre will provide for Guernsey,” said Larry Malcic, Chair of the Victor Hugo Centre Guernsey LBG.
He added: ‘The Centre will celebrate not only Guernsey’s most famous resident, but also the island’s vigorous creative community and talented young people. The theme of the Centre is Guernsey as an island of inspiration – the island inspires many forms of creativity today, just as it inspired Victor Hugo in his time.”
The Victor Hugo Centre will house a vibrant community performance and event space in a central location and a learning hub for school children, students and their families, in conjunction with a world-class museum interpretation centre. The location for the Centre is the historic former States Offices building on the North Esplanade, close to the arrivals point for ferries and cruise ships.
Pledges and contributions in excess of £2 million demonstrate islanders’ enthusiasm for the educational, civic, economic and tourism benefits that the project can bring to Guernsey.
Given Victor Hugo’s global following, the Centre will raise Guernsey’s international profile. Les Misérables for example has drawn large audiences in more than 40 countries.
“2025 will see many anniversaries for Hugo and his time in Guernsey. The Centre looks forward to hosting events and activities in collaboration with local organisations to show off the best of the island,” said Mr Malcic.
