MoMA Names Christophe Cherix as New Director

Though there was much speculation as to who would be taking over for Lowry, after a unanimous vote across the MoMA’s board of trustees, colleagues showed nothing but support for the new director. In a press release announcing Cherix’s appointment, museum chair Marie-Josée Kravis stated, “Christophe’s brilliant curatorial leadership in modern and contemporary art, deep insight and passion for MoMA’s collection, and reputation for steady stewardship stood out as indispensable qualities to meet the moment as the Museum’s next director.” 

In 2007, Cherix was onboarded to the MoMA’s curatorial staff. He was later appointed as The Robert Lehman Foundation Chief Curator of Drawings and Prints in 2013, but this upcoming fall will be his first time fully leading an institution. 

In the press release, Lowry spoke very highly of his successor, “Christophe is a gifted and talented curator, and I Iook forward to seeing the Museum evolve and thrive under his able direction.” The pair have worked alongside each other for nearly 15 years, and Lowry has plans to help Cherix smoothly transition into this new role.

Specializing in modern and contemporary art of the 1960s and 1970s, some of the exhibitions Cherix has curated during his tenure at the MoMA include Marcel Broodthaers: A Retrospective (with Manuel Borja-Villel, 2016); Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960–1971 (with Klaus Biesenbach, 2015); Jasper Johns: Regrets (with Ann Temkin, 2014); and In & Out of Amsterdam: Travels in Conceptual Art, 1960–1976 (2009). Cherix has also been a critical component in the acquisition of collections at the Museum, like the Seth Siegelaub Collection and Archives and the Art & Project/Depot VBVR Collection.

In response to all of the support, Cherix shared in a statement, “MoMA has long been a leader in embracing new forms of expression, amplifying the voices of artists from around the globe, and engaging the broadest audiences onsite and online. As the Museum approaches its centennial, my highest priority is to support its exceptional staff and ensure that their unique ability to navigate the ever-evolving present continues to thrive.”

It appears that the Museum is being left in good hands.