Full Breakdown
Massimiliano Gioni Appointed Director of New Museum
7/8/2026, 1:44:40 AM
Appointment Overview
The New Museum announced that its artistic director, Massimiliano Gioni, will become the Toby Devan Lewis Director on 1 August 2026. After an eight-month international search, the board concluded that the best candidate was already on staff.
Institutional Background
Founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, the museum has had three directors: Tucker (1977-1999), Lisa Phillips (1999-2023) and now Gioni. A 2007 Bowery building and a 2022-2023 OMA expansion doubled gallery space, reopening in March 2026.
Gioni’s Curatorial Record
Since joining in 2006, Gioni became associate director (2010) and artistic director (2014). He founded the New Museum Triennial (2009) and curated major biennials—Venice (2013), Gwangju (2010), Berlin (2006) and Manifesta 5 (2004). At the museum he has presented solo shows by Lynda Benglis, Hans Haacke, Faith Ringgold, Pipilotti Rist and organized thematic surveys such as “After Nature” (2008) and “Grief and Grievance” (2021).
Timeline of Key Events
- 1977 – Museum founded by Marcia Tucker.
- 1999 – Lisa Phillips becomes director.
- 2006 – Gioni hired as curator.
- 2007 – Bowery building opens.
- 2009 – First Triennial, “Younger Than Jesus.”
- 2014 – Gioni appointed artistic director.
- 2022-2023 – OMA expansion completed.
- March 2026 – “New Humans” opens.
- 1 August 2026 – Gioni assumes directorship.
Data Highlights
The OMA expansion doubled gallery space. The current “New Humans” exhibition features work by over 200 creators. Gioni’s tenure at the museum spans nearly 20 years. The board’s search lasted eight months and considered international candidates.
Why It Matters
The museum’s lack of a permanent collection makes it nimble and experimental, aligning with Gioni’s global curatorial experience. His appointment reinforces the institution’s focus on temporary exhibitions, commissions, and an expanded campus that can accommodate the large-scale shows now using the entire OMA-designed space.
Official Statements & Responses
Board chair James-Keith Brown said the museum’s non-collecting model fosters agility and that the search sought a leader with a global outlook. Gioni thanked the board, describing the role as a collective vote of confidence in the museum’s staff and legacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources refer to Gioni’s tenure as “nearly two decades,” “20 years,” and “almost 20 years,” a minor phrasing variance. The board’s specific selection criteria and the composition of the search committee were not disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we thought about who’s the best person to lead the organization, we wanted somebody who thinks globally,” — James-Keith Brown, President, New Museum
- “After an extensive international search, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Massimiliano Gioni to lead the New Museum in this new chapter,” — James-Keith Brown, Board Chair
- “It is an immense honor to have been called upon to lead the New Museum, following in the footsteps of giants such as Marcia Tucker and Lisa Phillips,” — Massimiliano Gioni
- “It allows us to be more nimble, more experimental and a little more curious.” — James-Keith Brown
What’s Next
Gioni will assume the directorship on 1 August 2026, overseeing the ongoing “New Humans” exhibition and planning new thematic surveys and commissions on the expanded campus.
