Smithsonian museum director to move to Guggenheim: a moment of change'

"Chiu insisted that her departure is not related to Donald Trump's efforts to interfere with the Smithsonian. 'Not at all,' Chiu told the Guardian. 'The Guggenheim is an extraordinary institution. It is one of the major museums in our field. It was never part of my decision-making process.'"

"Chiu has been credited with spearheading digital innovation and expanding the museum's educational programmes. She raised nearly $250m and oversaw an expansion of the museum's permanent collection."

"It has been a moment of change for actually a long time, the 54-year-old reflected. 'I would say dating back to the first days of Covid that, as a museum in the public sphere with a national mission and a mandate to serve the public, we have work.'"

Melissa Chiu, director of the Hirshhorn Museum for 12 years, is leaving to lead the Guggenheim Museum. She clarified that her departure is unrelated to political interference from Donald Trump. Chiu is the fourth Smithsonian director to leave in two years, following others who faced management issues or political pressure. She has been recognized for her contributions to digital innovation and educational programs at the Hirshhorn, raising nearly $250 million and overseeing a significant expansion of the museum's collection and sculpture garden.

Read at www.theguardian.com