Nicholas Cullinan Takes the Helm: A New Chapter for the British Museum
Nicholas Cullinan has been appointed as the new director of the British Museum, succeeding the interim director, Sir Mark Jones. Cullinan, the former chief of the National Portrait Gallery, steps into this prestigious role with a wealth of experience and a vision to lead the institution into a new era of engagement and collaboration.
Cullinan’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the British Museum, following the resignation of Hartwig Fischer amidst concerns over thefts at the London-based institution. With the approval of the Board of Trustees and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Cullinan is poised to take over the reins in the summer, bringing with him a fresh perspective and a commitment to steering the museum through significant transformations.
Reflecting on his new role, Cullinan expressed his deep sense of honor and excitement: “One of the greatest museums in the world, it is an honor to become the next director of the British Museum. I look forward to joining its wonderful and dedicated staff and to work with its hugely impressive Board in leading it into a new chapter.”
Cullinan’s appointment is not merely a changing of the guard but signals a broader ambition to propel the British Museum forward as a dynamic hub of intellectual discourse and cultural exchange. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but is undeterred in his commitment to making the museum more engaged and collaborative than ever before.
“This will encompass the most significant transformations, both architectural and intellectual, happening in any museum globally, to continue making the British Museum the most engaged and collaborative it can be,” Cullinan stated, emphasizing his dedication to fostering a museum that is not only a custodian of the past but also a catalyst for dialogue and innovation in the present and future.
As Cullinan prepares to assume his new role, there is palpable anticipation within the museum community and beyond. His track record of leadership and his passion for art and culture position him as a formidable force in shaping the trajectory of one of the world’s foremost cultural institutions.
Under Cullinan’s stewardship, the British Museum is poised to embark on an exciting journey of reinvention and renewal, reaffirming its position as a beacon of enlightenment and inspiration for generations to come. As he steps into this pivotal role, all eyes are on Nicholas Cullinan and the promising future he envisions for the British Museum.
