Melissa Chiu has been appointed as the new director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, transitioning directly from her decade-long tenure at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. During her time at the Hirshhorn, Chiu was credited with doubling attendance, significantly increasing fundraising, and overseeing a major $68m garden renovation by Hiroshi Sugimoto. She will begin her new role on September 1, while Aaron Seeto steps in as interim director at the Hirshhorn.
This leadership shift marks a strategic restructuring at the Guggenheim, allowing Mariët Westermann to focus on her role as CEO of the global foundation and its international expansions, including the upcoming Abu Dhabi site. Chiu’s appointment brings a seasoned expert in contemporary Asian art to one of New York's most iconic institutions at a time of significant global growth for the Guggenheim brand.