MoMA Picks Christophe Cherix as Next Director appointed

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has announced Christophe Cherix as its new director, succeeding Glenn Lowry, who has led the institution for three decades. The New York Times first reported the news on Friday afternoon.

Cherix will officially step into his new role this September. Since 2013, he has served as MoMA’s chief curator of the prints and drawings department. In a statement, he expressed his vision for the institution: “MoMA has long been a leader in embracing new forms of expression, amplifying the voices of artists from around the globe, and engaging the broadest audiences onsite and online. As the Museum approaches its centennial, my highest priority is to support its exceptional staff and ensure that their unique ability to navigate the ever-evolving present continues to thrive.”

His curatorial expertise includes a series of acclaimed retrospectives. In 2023, he co-led a retrospective on Ed Ruscha alongside Los Angeles County Museum of Art director Michael Govan. This exhibition featured the revival of Ruscha’s rarely seen 1970 Chocolate Room installation from the Venice Biennale. In 2018, he collaborated with David Platzker and Connie Butler on a groundbreaking retrospective for Adrian Piper, which became the largest exhibition in MoMA’s history at the time. Additionally, he co-organized a Marcel Broodthaers retrospective in 2016 with Manuel Borja-Villel and a survey of Yoko Ono’s 1960s and ’70s artwork with Klaus Biesenbach.

Marie-Josée Kravis, chair of MoMA’s board, praised Cherix’s selection, stating, “Christophe’s brilliant curatorial leadership in modern and contemporary art, deep insight and passion for MoMA’s collection, and reputation for steady stewardship stood out as indispensable qualities to meet the moment as the Museum’s next director. We are thrilled that after a rigorous global search, the Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Christophe, and that he accepted the appointment.”

Cherix’s history with MoMA dates back to 2007 when he joined as curator of prints and illustrated books. He later oversaw the department’s merger with the drawings team to form the current prints and drawings department. Prior to MoMA, he served as curator at the Cabinet des estampes at the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva.

His appointment follows Glenn Lowry’s long tenure, which included major renovations and an expansion of the museum. Lowry, who has been director since 1995, announced his departure plans last year. Reflecting on Cherix’s promotion, Lowry stated, “I have been privileged to work with Christophe for more than fifteen years at MoMA, and I am delighted that the Board has chosen him to be the next director of the Museum. In the months ahead, we will work together to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Christophe is a gifted and talented curator, and I look forward to seeing the Museum evolve and thrive under his able direction.”

With this appointment, Cherix becomes the seventh director in MoMA’s nearly 100-year history, poised to guide the institution into its next chapter.