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New Museum appoints Massimiliano Gioni as new director

Gioni joined the New Museum in 2006 as a curator

Black and white portrait of a man called Massimiliano Gioni in a white shirt, looking at the camera.

Massimiliano Gioni joined the New Museum in 2006 as a curator before becoming artistic director in 2014

The New Museum in New York has appointed Massimiliano Gioni as its next director, effective from 1 August.

Gioni joined the New Museum in 2006 as a curator, later serving as associate director and director of exhibitions before becoming artistic director in 2014.


During his two decades at the museum, Gioni developed an ambitious exhibition programme, curating solo shows by pioneering artists including Judy Chicago, Sarah Lucas and Chris Ofili.

Modern geometric New Museum building on a city street with people walking in the foreground. The New Museum in New York has appointed Massimiliano Gioni as its next director

He also organised, curated and directed numerous exhibitions and biennials, including the 4th Berlin Biennale, which he co-curated with Maurizio Cattelan and Ali Subotnick in 2006.

Gioni collaborated with museums, institutions and foundations worldwide, including Qatar Museums in Doha, where he curated major exhibitions featuring Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, Valentino and Pipilotti Rist.

New Museum board president James-Keith Brown said: "After an extensive international search, we are thrilled to announce Massimiliano Gioni’s appointment as steward of the New Museum in its next chapter.

"Over the past twenty years, he played an essential role in the museum’s evolution as a leading international destination for contemporary art through the groundbreaking exhibitions he has conceived, institutional partnerships he has built, mentorship he has provided to colleagues, and relationships he has forged across the globe."

"It is a tremendous honour to be asked to lead the New Museum, following in the steps of giants like Marcia Tucker and Lisa Phillips," Gioni said.

New director is "an ideal leader"

"I am grateful to the board of trustees, the selection committee, and James-Keith Brown, our board president, for entrusting me with both the illustrious legacy of the institution and the tools to shape an exciting future ahead."

He added: "I think of this appointment less as a recognition of my work than a vote of confidence in our entire institution and its staff.

"I am grateful to the many artists, colleagues, and supporters who together have built the New Museum into the globally respected and beloved institution that we are so proud to call home."

Images courtesy of the New Museum