New York, NY – Lisa Phillips, the esteemed Toby Devan Lewis Director of the New Museum, has announced her intention to retire, concluding a distinguished tenure marked by significant growth and a steadfast commitment to contemporary art.
The museum’s Board of Trustees confirmed the announcement today, noting that Phillips will step down from her role effective July 1, 2026. Her departure will bring to an end a remarkable period of leadership that has seen the New Museum solidify its position as a leading institution for avant-garde art globally.
Phillips, who took the helm in 1999, is widely credited with overseeing the museum’s pivotal move to its iconic, custom-built home on the Bowery in 2007, designed by SANAA. This expansion dramatically increased the museum’s exhibition space and visibility, transforming it into a cultural landmark.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead the New Museum for over two decades,” Phillips said in a statement. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together – from building our home on the Bowery to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions that have challenged, inspired, and engaged audiences worldwide. The New Museum is a vibrant, resilient institution, and I look forward to watching its continued evolution.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Under Phillips’s direction, the New Museum became a crucial platform for emerging and under-recognized artists, consistently championing diverse voices and experimental practices. Her tenure was characterized by a commitment to bold programming, including the highly anticipated triennial exhibitions and numerous critically acclaimed solo presentations.
Beyond its curatorial achievements, Phillips also spearheaded significant fundraising efforts, enhancing the museum’s endowment and ensuring its financial stability. She fostered a culture of innovation, attracting a new generation of art enthusiasts and solidifying the museum’s reputation as a vital cultural incubator.
James Keith Brown, Chair of the New Museum’s Board of Trustees, praised Phillips’s contributions. “Lisa’s visionary leadership has been transformative for the New Museum and for the broader art world. Her unwavering dedication to artists and her strategic acumen have left an indelible mark, establishing the museum as an essential force in contemporary art. We are profoundly grateful for her two decades of service.”
The Search for a Successor
The Board of Trustees has initiated a global search for Phillips’s successor. A search committee, comprising board members and external advisors, has been formed to identify a new director who will continue to advance the museum’s mission and build upon Phillips’s legacy.
Phillips will remain in her role until her official departure date, working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition. Her retirement marks the close of a significant chapter for one of New York City’s most dynamic cultural institutions.
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