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The Whitney Museum of American Art’s long-term director Adam Weinberg is set to leave the institution in November, with Scott Rothkopf set to succeed him in the role
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Mar 2023
Whitney Museum of American Art director Adam Weinberg is set to step down from the role after more than 20 years at the head of the institution.
A joint announcement by Weinberg and the Whitney board, the museum also named his successor - the current senior deputy director and chief curator, Scott Rothkopf - who will take up the position starting November 1.
According to Weinberg, he is leaving the Whitney in good hands, having worked closely with Rothkopf for over a decade.
“His approach is different, his style is different,” said Weinberg. “But he understands the soul of the institution.”
As director, Weinberg oversaw the museum’s move from its Marcel Breuer building on Madison Avenue to its new Renzo Piano-designed home overlooking the Hudson River, which opened to great fanfare in 2015.
As director, annual attendance pre-pandemic grew from 400,000 people to 1.2 million people annually, with the museum’s endowment fund increasing tenfold to US$400m (€378.1m, £335.5m). The staff has also doubled in size with diversity a key emphasis on hiring policy.
“Adam has been a once-in-a-generation director for the Whitney, involved with the museum for three decades of its nearly 100-year history,” said a statement on behalf of the board from Richard DeMartini, Fern Kaye Tessler and Roberthurst.
“He has elevated the institution in every way and positioned it for continuing success under the leadership of Scott Rothkopf.
“The board expresses its profound gratitude to Adam for the boldness of his vision, the brilliance of his inspiration, and the exceptional combination of effectiveness and personal generosity he brought to bear in transforming the Whitney.”
In recognition of Adam Weinberg’s achievements, the Whitney board is honouring him with the new title of director emeritus, and he will become an honorary trustee of the museum.
Weinberg will continue to work with Rothkopf on the transition and projects including the renovation of the Roy Lichtenstein Studio and Residence as the first permanent home of the Whitney’s Independent Study Programme.
“I am tremendously grateful to the Board for the opportunity to further serve this extraordinary institution and to build on Adam’s remarkable legacy,” said Rothkopf.
“Since joining its unsurpassed staff, I’ve been devoted to the Whitney and everything it stands for: a profound commitment to artists; courage and openness to change; a deep care for audiences and community; and a warm and inclusive spirit. We’re extremely well poised for the next chapter, which promises to be more vital and relevant than ever.”
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