The Philadelphia Art Museum has filed a formal response to a civil lawsuit brought by its former director Sasha Suda, accusing her of theft in a dramatic escalation of their legal dispute. The museum's filing came on Thursday, just weeks after Suda initiated her own lawsuit against the institution earlier this month.
The legal battle stems from Suda's controversial dismissal as director in early November 2025, following what sources described as a tumultuous period marked by a controversial rebranding effort. According to reports, Suda was dismissed via email "for cause," though the specific reasons for her termination were initially unclear to the public.
A trustee familiar with the situation emphasized the gravity of the museum's decision, stating that "a board of this stature doesn't part ways with someone unless it's a serious matter." The comment suggests that the museum's leadership viewed Suda's conduct as sufficiently problematic to warrant immediate termination.
Suda's tenure at the Philadelphia Art Museum was relatively brief but marked by significant controversy. She had been appointed to lead the prestigious institution in June 2022, coming from her previous role as director of the National Gallery of Canada. Her appointment followed a period of instability at the Philadelphia museum.
Before joining the Philadelphia Art Museum, Suda's time at the National Gallery of Canada was also marked by upheaval. The Canadian institution experienced significant staff turnover during her leadership, including the firing of four senior staff members in November 2022. Among those dismissed were chief curator Kitty Scott and Indigenous curator Greg Hill, in what was described as a sudden restructuring.
The National Gallery of Canada eventually moved forward with new leadership, appointing Jean-François Belisle as the new director and CEO in June 2023. Belisle's appointment was seen as an effort to restore stability following what officials described as a tumultuous period at the museum.
The current legal dispute between Suda and the Philadelphia Art Museum represents a significant development in the art world, involving one of America's most prominent cultural institutions. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for museum governance and executive accountability in the arts sector.
