Adam Szymczyk has been appointed as the new director of the Swiss Architecture Museum (SAM) in Basel, taking over from Andreas Ruby. The announcement marks a significant transition for the prestigious institution, with Szymczyk bringing extensive experience from his previous roles as director of Kunsthalle Basel and artistic director of Documenta 14 in Kassel.

The museum's foundation board unanimously confirmed the selection committee's proposal to appoint Szymczyk to the position. He is scheduled to assume his new role in 2026, giving the institution time for a smooth transition. The 53-year-old Polish-born curator studied art history in Warsaw and completed his curatorial training at the De Appel exhibition center in Amsterdam.

Szymczyk expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge in a press release, stating: "After more than 25 years as a curator for exhibitions in the field of contemporary art, I am extremely excited to bring my knowledge and experience to a new environment." His appointment represents a homecoming to Basel, where he previously made a significant impact on the city's cultural landscape.

From 2002 to 2014, Szymczyk served as director of Kunsthalle Basel, located in the same building as the Architecture Museum. During his 12-year tenure, he was responsible for organizing over 80 exhibitions, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world. His work at Kunsthalle Basel earned him international recognition and positioned him as a leading voice in curatorial practice.

In 2013, Szymczyk was appointed as the artistic director of Documenta 14, one of the world's most important contemporary art exhibitions. Under his leadership, the 2017 edition broke new ground by being held simultaneously in both Athens and Kassel, creating an innovative dialogue between the two cities. This ambitious undertaking demonstrated his ability to think beyond traditional exhibition formats and engage with complex cultural and political themes.

The appointment signals a new chapter for the Swiss Architecture Museum, which will benefit from Szymczyk's extensive international network and his proven track record in organizing groundbreaking exhibitions. His transition from contemporary art to architecture represents an exciting opportunity to explore the intersections between these disciplines and bring fresh perspectives to architectural discourse.