Ralph Rugoff, the internationally renowned curator who led the 2019 Venice Biennale, is stepping down from his position as director of London's prestigious Hayward Gallery after 20 years at the helm. The Southbank Centre, which operates the influential contemporary art venue, announced that Rugoff will depart the museum in spring 2026 to continue his career as an independent curator and writer.
Rugoff gained global recognition for his curation of the 2019 Venice Biennale, one of the art world's most significant events. His exhibition featured 79 artists—a relatively small number for the world's largest art festival—with each artist displaying at least two works across two different locations. This innovative concept was designed to address the increasingly polarized political climate of the time, though the exhibition received mixed reviews from critics. ARTnews critic Andrew Russeth described the show as "weirdly uneven," despite acknowledging its "many astonishing visual moments."
Within London's art community, Rugoff is better known for his transformative leadership of the Hayward Gallery since 2006. Under his direction, the institution has mounted numerous critically acclaimed exhibitions that have shaped contemporary art discourse. Notable shows include "Kiss My Genders!" in 2019, a groundbreaking survey examining how contemporary artists explore gender fluidity in their work, as well as major retrospectives for internationally recognized artists Kader Attia and Tracey Emin.
Rugoff's exceptional contributions to the arts have earned him significant recognition. In 2019, he was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a prestigious honor reflecting his impact on British cultural life. His expertise has also been sought for other major art world roles, including serving on the selection committee for the 2010 British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and as a jury member for the 2013 Turner Prize, one of Britain's most important contemporary art awards.
Before joining the Hayward Gallery, the American-born curator established his reputation leading the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Art in San Francisco. The taste-making institution became known for its experimental programming and cutting-edge exhibitions under his guidance, establishing Rugoff as a significant voice in contemporary art curation.
Reflecting on his tenure, Rugoff expressed gratitude for his time at the Hayward Gallery. "Over the past two decades, it's been deeply rewarding to exhibit, commission and publish some of the world's most compelling artists; to have the support of truly inspiring art patrons, philanthropists and collectors; and to partner with great museums and art organizations around the world," he stated. "I believe the Hayward's program has made a positive contribution to what has been an era of remarkable change in the contemporary art landscape. I very much look forward to watching its next chapter unfold."
