Mariët Westermann, a prominent figure in the academic and art world, has recently been appointed to a prestigious position at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. She will be the first female director and chief executive of this renowned institution, taking over from Richard Armstrong, who announced his departure last summer.
With an impressive track record at New York University's Abu Dhabi campus, where she has held the position of vice chancellor since 2019 and previously served as its founding provost, Westermann brings a wealth of experience to the Guggenheim. Her extensive background in art history and philanthropy in the humanities will be a valuable asset as she manages the New York flagship, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Foundation in Venice, and collaborates with directors at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the upcoming Abu Dhabi location.
Westermann has significantly contributed to NYU Abu Dhabi's development, playing a key role in its expansion, recruiting notable faculty members, and initiating new programs. Her educational background includes a PhD and master's degree from NYU, with a focus on Dutch art.
Her appointment was met with praise from prominent figures in the art world, including Glenn D. Lowry, the director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Westermann's varied experience, including her role as executive vice president of the Andrew Mellon Foundation and positions at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts and the Clark Art Institute, positions her as a well-qualified leader for the Guggenheim. She is set to assume her new role in June 2024, relocating to Manhattan.
Wendy Fisher, president of the Guggenheim Foundation's board of trustees, expressed confidence in Westermann’s ability to lead the institution towards a sustainable future, while enhancing its role in public discourse and expanding its reach.
Westermann joins the Guggenheim during a challenging time, with issues at the Manhattan museum ranging from labor negotiations to allegations of racism and discrimination. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2026, has also faced scrutiny over labor conditions in the region. Westermann acknowledges the complexities of her new role, viewing it as both a challenge and an opportunity well-suited to her experience.
Selena Mattei