Melissa Chiu has been named the new director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, with her tenure commencing on September 1. Chiu returns to New York after a successful 12 years at the Smithsonian Institution’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, joining the Guggenheim amid challenging times for museum networks globally.
The appointment is part of Mariët Westermann’s strategic overhaul of the Guggenheim Foundation’s leadership, as the institution prepares for the opening of its contentious Abu Dhabi location later this year. Westermann will focus on international expansions, leaving Chiu to manage the flagship museum’s artistic vision, programming, operations, and finances.
Chiu assumes her role during a period of financial difficulty for the Guggenheim, exacerbated by revenue declines since the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum has experienced three contentious rounds of layoffs over the past six years, causing unrest, particularly among its labor union, which recently protested during the Carol Bove retrospective opening.
Westermann lauded Chiu’s accomplishments at the Hirshhorn, where she significantly increased fundraising and attendance, and launched technology initiatives. She also expanded the museum’s collection, acquiring works from notable artists like Theaster Gates and Laurie Anderson.
Chiu’s departure from the Hirshhorn comes as the Smithsonian faces scrutiny from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Chiu, who previously worked at the Asia Society Museum in New York, expressed her enthusiasm to ensure the Guggenheim remains a vibrant center for art and learning. Aaron Seeto will act as interim director at the Hirshhorn.
