The Philadelphia Art Museum has announced the appointment of Daniel Weiss as its new director and CEO, just weeks after the sudden removal of former CEO Sasha Suda. The museum's Board of Trustees revealed in a recent news release that Weiss will serve as the George D. Widener Director and CEO, taking over leadership of one of the nation's most prominent cultural institutions.
Weiss steps into the role following Suda's unexpected departure on Tuesday, November 4, marking a significant leadership transition for the prestigious museum. The Board of Trustees described Weiss as an accomplished museum executive with extensive experience in leading major cultural institutions and navigating complex organizational challenges.
Prior to joining the Philadelphia Art Museum, Weiss served as President and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world's most renowned art institutions. His impressive background also includes leadership roles in higher education, having previously served as President of both Haverford College and Lafayette College, demonstrating his versatility in managing large, complex organizations.
"We are extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of Dan Weiss's caliber and experience step into this critical role," stated Ellen Caplan, Chair of the Board of Trustees, in the official announcement. "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."
In his new position, Weiss will oversee all aspects of the art museum's comprehensive operations, including curatorial programming, educational initiatives, collection stewardship, and fundraising efforts. Museum officials confirmed that Weiss has committed to leading the institution through at least 2028, providing the organization with long-term stability and strategic vision.
The leadership change comes at a particularly significant time for the Philadelphia Art Museum, which recently underwent a comprehensive rebranding initiative. The museum introduced a new name, logo, signage, merchandise, and completed a complete website overhaul, signaling a new chapter in its institutional identity and public engagement strategy.
