Smithsonian museum director to move to Guggenheim: ‘a moment of change’
The Guardian • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Melissa Chiu, director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for 12 years, is leaving to become director of the Guggenheim Museum in New York, emphasizing her decision was unrelated to political pressures from Donald Trump.
- Chiu is the fourth Smithsonian director to depart in the past two years, following resignations and removals amid controversies and management issues at various Smithsonian museums.
- During her tenure, Chiu led significant initiatives including digital innovation, expanding the museum’s collection, raising nearly $250 million, and revamping the sculpture garden, with notable exhibitions like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms breaking attendance records.
- Chiu’s departure marks a period of change for the Smithsonian amid evolving challenges such as adapting to the pandemic, expanding art history representation, and navigating increased external political pressures.
- Aaron Seeto, deputy director of the Hirshhorn, will serve as interim director, while Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch praised Chiu’s leadership and contributions to the institution’s national role.
