Melissa Chiu Appointed as New Director of Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York has announced the appointment of Melissa Chiu as its new director, effective September 1. Chiu joins the Guggenheim after a successful 12-year tenure at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. Her appointment arrives during a transitional period for the Guggenheim, which is also preparing for the opening of a new Abu Dhabi outpost.

Mariët Westermann, Guggenheim Foundation Director and CEO, is restructuring the leadership team and has appointed Chiu to steer the artistic direction, programming, operations, and finances of the Manhattan museum. Westermann will focus on international operations. The Guggenheim has faced financial challenges, including several controversial rounds of staff layoffs due to a pandemic-induced revenue decline.

Chiu is recognized for her transformative work at the Hirshhorn, where she significantly increased fundraising, doubled attendance, and successfully revitalized the Sculpture Garden. During her tenure, 175 new artworks were acquired, contributing to the museum’s modern and contemporary arts prominence.

Her leadership qualities and achievements were praised by Lonnie Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Before her role at the Hirshhorn, Chiu held several leadership positions at the Asia Society Museum in New York, distinguishing her as a formidable figure in arts management. She aims to maintain the Guggenheim’s reputation as a vibrant place of art and knowledge.

Aaron Seeto, deputy director at the Hirshhorn, will assume the role of interim director following Chiu’s departure.