Melissa Chiu Leaves Hirshhorn Museum After 12 Years to Lead Guggenheim
Melissa Chiu is stepping down as director of the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. to become the new director of the Guggenheim Museum in New York. She led the Hirshhorn for 12 years.
Melissa Chiu announced she will leave her role as director of the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden after 12 years of leadership. She's moving to lead the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
The Hirshhorn Museum sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and is known for its contemporary art and sculpture collection. It's part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex.
The Guggenheim Museum in New York is famous for its unique spiral building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It houses one of the world's finest collections of modern and contemporary art.
Chiu's decade-plus tenure at the Hirshhorn was described as dynamic, suggesting she brought significant changes to the museum during her time there. Her move represents a major leadership change for both institutions.
This is a major shift for two of America's most important art museums. The Guggenheim is world-famous for its spiral design and modern art collection, while the Hirshhorn focuses on contemporary art and is part of the Smithsonian.
The Hirshhorn will need to find a new director, while Chiu begins her new role at the Guggenheim.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful