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Smithsonian Director Moves to Guggenheim
10 Apr
Summary
- Melissa Chiu departs Hirshhorn Museum for Guggenheim leadership.
- Chiu led Hirshhorn for 12 years, overseeing significant expansion.
- Her departure follows other Smithsonian director resignations.
Melissa Chiu is departing the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, where she served as director for 12 years, to assume a leadership role at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Chiu, who was born in Australia, previously directed the Asia Society in New York for a decade.
During her time at the Hirshhorn, Chiu was credited with driving digital innovation and enhancing educational programs. She successfully raised nearly $250 million and expanded the museum's permanent collection, with a revamped sculpture garden set to reopen this autumn. Her tenure also saw record-breaking exhibitions, such as Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms.
Chiu's departure occurs amidst a period of transitions at the Smithsonian. She is the fourth director to leave in the past two years. Her final day at the Hirshhorn is August 31st, and Aaron Seeto will serve as interim director.
