The Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam has appointed Yesomi Umolu, former artistic director of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, as its new general and artistic director, effective March 1, 2026. The British curator brings extensive experience from internationally renowned cultural institutions and will lead the museum into what officials are calling an exciting new chapter.

Umolu previously served as director of curatorial affairs and public practice at London's Serpentine Galleries and was the artistic director of the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial. Her appointment fills the leadership position left vacant when former director Aric Chen departed last summer. The new role places her at the helm of one of Europe's most innovative institutions dedicated to architecture, design, and digital culture.

"It's a great honor to lead a new chapter in the Nieuwe Instituut's artistic journey," Umolu said regarding her appointment. "Nieuwe Instituut is a singular institution that brings together heritage and contemporary practice across architecture, design, and digital culture – fields that have deeply shaped my curatorial work." Her background as a trained architect combined with her curatorial expertise positions her uniquely for the role.

In her new position, Umolu will work alongside Aukje Bolle, the institution's general and managing director. Bolle praised the selection, emphasizing Umolu's extensive experience in both culture and architecture sectors. "With her arrival at the Nieuwe Instituut, Yesomi Umolu will make a positive contribution to the further development of our wonderful organization," Bolle commented.

Bolle further highlighted Umolu's qualifications, stating: "Yesomi brings a wealth of experience from internationally renowned cultural institutions, extensive knowledge of architecture, design, and contemporary art, and a clear vision of the role that the design disciplines can play in the social, ecological, and digital challenges of our time." This vision aligns with the Nieuwe Instituut's mission to address contemporary issues through design and architecture.

Throughout her career, Umolu has curated numerous exhibitions, commissions, and publications working with artists and architects. She also served as a member of the curatorial advisory board for the US Pavilion at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale, demonstrating her international standing in the field. Her diverse portfolio showcases her ability to bridge different disciplines and cultural contexts.

Farah Karimi, chair of the Nieuwe Instituut's supervisory board, expressed confidence in the appointment. "With her training as an architect and her outstanding international experience, including her curatorship of the Chicago Architecture Biennale, Yesomi brings a distinctive combination of disciplinary expertise and cultural imagination," Karimi said. "Her curatorial practice and her vision for architecture, design, and digital culture make her exceptionally well-suited to lead, together with Aukje Bolle, the Nieuwe Instituut into an exciting new chapter."

The Nieuwe Instituut has built a reputation for innovative and sometimes unconventional projects that challenge traditional boundaries between design, culture, and society. Previous initiatives have included experimental retail concepts, such as a shop where customers could exchange urine for soap and a Milan Design Week pop-up store offering free haircuts. These projects reflect the institution's commitment to exploring new relationships between design and daily life.

With Umolu's appointment, the Nieuwe Instituut is positioned to continue its pioneering work at the intersection of heritage and contemporary practice. Her international experience and vision for addressing current social, ecological, and digital challenges through design align perfectly with the institution's forward-thinking mission as it enters this new phase of leadership.