The Philadelphia Art Museum has dismissed its director and CEO Sasha Suda following a rebrand.
Suda has been dismissed effective immediately, according to sources inside the museum, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
In a statement, the museum said: “As of today, director and CEO Sasha Suda is no longer with the Philadelphia Art Museum."
It added that Louis Marchesano, deputy director of curatorial affairs and conservation, will oversee day-to-day operations at the museum.
Sasha Suda
During this time, the Philadelphia Art Museum will work to identify an interim director and CEO.
"As this is an internal matter, we are limited in what we can say," the statement added.
"The board of trustees is focused on fulfilling the museum’s mission as we enter our 150th year.
"We are not providing further comment at this time.”
Suda's departure "an internal matter"
The Inquirer reports that Suda's dismissal could be for several reasons, including a negative public reaction to the recent rebrand.
The publication also notes that attendance is yet to recover post-pandemic, and that the museum has operated with a deficit for several years.
Additionally, the museum is still operating with a reduced staffing level post-pandemic, and there have been several staff departures since Suda's arrival in 2022.
After unveiling the rebrand, Suda said the museum's "focus and vision are unabashedly Philadelphian".
She said the institution was "opening our doors to become more collaborative and future-focused for all.”
The rebrand includes a new name, a new logo featuring an updated griffin, new merchandise, a website overhaul, an original typeface, and a new visual identity.
Images courtesy of the Philadelphia Art Museum
