Christophe Cherix Tapped as MoMA’s Next Director

Christophe Cherix Tapped as MoMA’s Next Director

The Museum of Modern Art, New York, has announced Christophe Cherix as its next director, effective this September. Cherix arrived to the museum in 2007 and has served as chief curator of the drawings and prints department since 2013. This will be his first time leading an institution. He will replace Glenn Lowry, who has helmed MoMA for nearly three decades. TheNew York Times, which broke the news of Cherix’s ascent this past Friday, reports that the museum’s board, fearing a leak, was hastily assembled that day to vote on Cherix’s promotion, with those present unanimously calling for his appointment.

“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,” said museum board chair Marie-Josée Kravis in a statement. “We are thrilled that after a rigorous global search, the trustees voted unanimously to appoint Christophe, and that he accepted the appointment.”

Prior to joining the New York institution, Cherix—who specializes in modern and contemporary art, particularly that of the 1960s and ’70s—was a curator at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva. He was named chief curator of MoMA’s prints and illustrated books department in 2010 and three years later shepherded its merging with the drawings department, which he has since led. Among the exhibitions he oversaw are those of Marcel Broodthaers, Adrian Piper, Ed Ruscha, and Betye Saar, as well as an upcoming show of Wifredo Lam.

“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,” Cherix said in a statement. “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.”

Lowry, who announced his impending departure last September, touching off frenzied speculation as to who would fill his shoes, lauded Cherix in a statement, saying, “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 Iook forward to seeing the Museum evolve and thrive under his able direction.”