Why People Are Mad About MoMA's New Director Appointment

Mar 31

MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) has named Christophe Cherix as its new director, set to take over in September 2025. While Cherix has been with the museum for over a decade as the head of drawings and prints, his appointment has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether his leadership will bring the change that critics and activists have long demanded.

*Christophe Cherix. © 2021 The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo: Peter Ross*

A Safe Choice or a Missed Opportunity?

Cherix’s deep curatorial expertise is widely recognized, but many see his selection as a conservative choice, signaling a continuation of MoMA’s existing institutional approach rather than a shift toward reform. As Alex Greenberger writes in ArtNews, this appointment “reveals MoMA’s lack of interest in transformation” and “suggests that the museum’s board is satisfied with the current trajectory, despite ongoing criticisms.”

The Shadow of Protest Movements

During outgoing director Glenn Lowry’s tenure, MoMA faced backlash from activists over its ties to board members linked to controversial investments, including fossil fuels and military industries. The Strike MoMA movement, a coalition of artists and organizers, launched protests highlighting these ethical concerns and calling for structural changes within the museum. Critics now worry that Cherix’s appointment does little to address these issues, maintaining the status quo rather than responding to growing demands for accountability.

Public Expectations vs. Institutional Decisions

In the months leading up to MoMA’s decision, there was speculation about potential directors who could usher in a new era for the institution. Some in the art world hoped for a leader with a more radical vision, someone who might challenge MoMA’s historical ties to corporate influence and elitism. The choice of an internal candidate, however, has led some to believe that MoMA is uninterested in significant institutional change. A Reddit discussion among museum professionals reflected this sentiment, debating whether the museum would take a bold new direction or opt for continuity.

What’s Next for MoMA?

As Cherix prepares to take on the role, the art world will be watching closely to see whether he will address the longstanding criticisms of MoMA’s leadership or reinforce the institution’s existing priorities. Will he take steps toward greater transparency and ethical accountability, or will his tenure be remembered as more of the same? The debate over his appointment underscores broader tensions in the museum world — between tradition and change, institutional power and activist demands, curatorial excellence and ethical responsibility.