The Philadelphia Art Museum has named Daniel H. Weiss as its new director and chief executive officer, just weeks after the institution parted ways with former leader Sasha Suda amid controversy over a major rebranding effort. The appointment, announced on Friday, brings a seasoned museum executive to helm one of America's premier cultural institutions during a period of significant transition.
Weiss, currently a Johns Hopkins University professor and former president and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, will officially assume his new role on December 1, 2025. His appointment extends through at least 2028, according to the museum's announcement. The hiring represents a strategic move to bring stability and experienced leadership to the 150-year-old institution following recent organizational upheaval.
"We are extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of Dan Weiss's caliber and experience step into this critical role," said Ellen Caplan, chair of the Philadelphia Art Museum Board of Trustees. "Dan's proven track record of museum leadership, his deep understanding of the field, and his ability to navigate complex institutional challenges make him ideally suited to provide stability and strategic direction during this critical period for the art museum."
The leadership change comes after the museum's controversial decision to part ways with Sasha Suda earlier this month. Suda's departure followed a lukewarm public reception to a massive rebranding campaign that modified the name of the historic institution, previously known as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The rebrand also introduced a new logo featuring a black griffin, designed as a tribute to the iconic statues that have overlooked the museum building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for more than a century.
Weiss brings extensive museum leadership experience to Philadelphia, having guided The Metropolitan Museum of Art through a transformative eight-year period from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure at The Met, he oversaw the completion of a comprehensive master plan for the museum's facilities, significantly expanded community engagement programs, and substantially grew the institution's digital presence. These accomplishments positioned The Met as a leader in museum innovation and accessibility.
A Long Island native, Weiss is recognized as a specialist in medieval art, with particular expertise in French art created during the Crusades and throughout the 13th century. At Johns Hopkins University, he holds the prestigious position of Homewood Professor of the Humanities while also serving as a senior advisor to the Provost for the Arts, demonstrating his commitment to both academic scholarship and institutional leadership.
"The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of America's great cultural treasures, with an extraordinary collection, a dedicated staff, and deep connections to its community," Weiss said in the official announcement. "It is a privilege and an honor to serve during this important moment, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the art museum continues its vital mission and advances its strategic priorities."
The appointment signals the museum's commitment to moving forward from recent challenges while maintaining its position as a cornerstone of Philadelphia's cultural landscape. With Weiss's proven track record of institutional transformation and strategic vision, the Philadelphia Art Museum is positioned to navigate its current transition period and emerge stronger in its mission to serve both local and international audiences.
