Since its inception, the French Ministry of Culture has pursued a core mission to make works of contemporary art accessible to the public at large. MONUMENTA reflects this vocation, with a clear commitment to public access for the widest possible range of visitors, and the provision of an exceptional range of interpretative materials, together with personal guides.

As part of this vital public service mission, MONUMENTA offers an innovative, new approach to 'cultural mediation' and the provision of interpretative visitor resources – essential for an understanding of the originality and importance of the featured contemporary artists, and their role in society today and in the future. MONUMENTA's visitor resources provide accessible 'ways in' to the installations for the general public, young people and children, helping them to discover the full meaning and richness of the body of work presented at the Grand Palais.

Cultural mediation aims to foster a new relationship with art based on a more open, inclusive approach, with the accent on discussion and the exchange of ideas. Personal guides are on hand to accompany each visitor, helping them to consolidate their personal knowledge and responses, and forge a deeper understanding of the artworks in question.   
MONUMENTA's mediator/guides encourage a process of dialogue highlighting visitors' personal ideas and knowledge, and helping them to analyse and formulate their innate response to the artworks presented. Together, mediator and visitor forge connections and find links to popular, social and political culture.    

By challenging, rather than imposing, a rigid, art-historical approach, the mediator/guides encourage visitors to dialogue with the artworks presented, taking time to question and discover the works in their own way. Visitors are encouraged to contribute, discuss and explore their personal response to the  works, emphasising their importance as active participants in the installation, rather than passive observers.

Cultural mediation aims to help visitors identify effective, personal pathways to explore issues at the heart of contemporary creative art.