Ann Neumann is recognised for her innovative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary approach to museum exhibitions.
Neumann has more than 20 years of experience as a creative leader and strategist. She joined MIT Museum in 2015 and has led the institution in the development of its new 56,000-square-foot museum with exhibitions on themes of identity, genetic futures, the reality of AI and MIT’s collections.
“As the Director of Exhibitions and Galleries at the MIT Museum, Ann has led a transformative journey, guiding the museum’s vision and content development,” says one person who nominated Neumann.
“Her approach to the museum space as an experimental test bed for ideas, conversations, and experiences has redefined how institutions can address critical cultural and societal issues.
“The new museum, which opened in 2022 under her leadership, features eight new galleries that delve into themes such as identity, genetic futures, and the implications of AI. This reimagined museum experience, reflecting Ann’s strategic direction, has garnered multiple awards and set a new standard for exhibitions that probe the use of technology and question its impact on society.”
The new museum’s experiential technologies were awarded a blooloop Innovation Award in 2022. These displays were developed by Bluecadet in collaboration with Studio Joseph, Pentagram, Kubik Maltbie, and include over 20 playful, and informational interactives.
Neumann is an ILLC (formerly Noyce Leadership Fellow). She guest lectures in museum studies and has been a visiting lecturer at Northeastern, Pratt, MIT, and Parsons. In addition, she participates in panels and professional conferences and shares insights from her work with her peers.
Before joining MIT, Neumann directed the exhibitions and graphics design teams at Liberty Science Center. She led the development of the museum experience during its capital expansion, managed its consultancy for the planning and creation of museums around the world, and directed The Rubik’s Cube, LSC’s first and most successful travelling show.