Ralph Rugoff, director of London's Hayward Gallery for nearly 20 years, will step down in spring 2026. The gallery declined to provide a reason for his departure, but Rugoff, 68, plans to continue working as an independent curator and writer. During his tenure, he curated 23 major exhibitions, commissioned public works by artists including Tracey Emin, Yinka Shonibare, and Phyllida Barlow, and oversaw the Hayward Gallery Touring program, which produced exhibitions like the British Art Show across the UK. He also served as artistic director of the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019 and received an OBE for services to the arts.
Rugoff's departure marks the end of a significant era for the Hayward Gallery, which under his leadership expanded its international reach, with exhibitions traveling to cities including Beijing, Berlin, Sydney, Sharjah, New York, and Stockholm. His vision helped the gallery carve out a prominent space in the global contemporary art scene, emphasizing diverse voices and adventurous programming. The search for his successor will begin in autumn 2025, and his exit signals a major leadership transition at one of London's key contemporary art institutions.