Sasha Suda, the former CEO of Canada's National Gallery who left her prestigious position in 2022 to lead the Philadelphia Art Museum, has filed a lawsuit against the American institution following her abrupt dismissal earlier this month. The Canadian art executive's tenure at the museum came to an unexpected end on November 4, when the institution released a brief statement announcing she was no longer serving as director and CEO.
Suda had departed from the National Gallery of Canada in 2022 to accept a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Art Museum, with the stated goal of bringing greater diversity and community engagement to the institution. Her dismissal has now sparked a legal battle that sheds light on alleged internal conflicts within one of America's most prominent art museums.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in a Pennsylvania court, presents a damning picture of institutional dysfunction and internal power struggles. According to the legal documents, Suda was allegedly targeted by what her legal team describes as "a small, corrupt, and unethical faction of the board intent on preserving the status quo." The suit contends that despite exceeding every measurable objective during her tenure, including fundraising, community outreach, labor relations, and programming goals, she was terminated without legitimate cause.
In response to the allegations, the Philadelphia Art Museum's press office issued a brief statement dismissing the complaint as "without merit" and declined to provide further comment on the ongoing legal proceedings. The museum's terse response reflects the contentious nature of Suda's departure and the serious accusations now leveled against the institution's leadership.
The lawsuit alleges that Suda was falsely accused of misconduct and dishonesty regarding pre-approved expenses and a cost-of-living salary increase that was consistent with standard institutional practices. These accusations, according to her legal team, were fabricated as pretexts for her removal. The legal documents seek various forms of damages to be determined by a jury trial, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art named as the primary defendant.
Adding to the controversy surrounding Suda's leadership was a rebranding initiative that proved divisive among art world observers and the public. Under her direction, the institution changed its name from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Philadelphia Art Museum, adopting the acronym "PhAM." However, this rebrand quickly became a source of ridicule when online critics mockingly referred to it as "PhART," highlighting the challenges Suda faced in implementing her vision for the museum's future.
Suda's attorney, Luke Nikas of the prestigious New York law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, defended his client's record and commitment to institutional reform. "Ms. Suda fought for and believed in a museum that would serve Philadelphia and its people, not the egos of a handful of trustees," Nikas stated. He emphasized that his Orillia, Ontario-born client was proud of her work at the institution and looked forward to presenting the truth in court.
Before her appointment to lead the Philadelphia Art Museum, Suda had built an impressive career in the art world. She joined the National Gallery of Canada in 2019 as director and CEO, and prior to that role, she served as curator of European art and held the Elliott Chair of Prints & Drawings at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Her academic and professional credentials made her a respected figure in the international museum community.
The lawsuit also reveals the personal toll of Suda's dismissal, noting that her termination has jeopardized her family's efforts to secure a green card that would allow them to remain in the United States. Her children currently attend elementary school in the country, and the family has established their life there, making the immigration implications of her firing particularly significant. The legal proceedings have yet to be tested in court, and the allegations remain unproven as the case moves forward through the Pennsylvania judicial system.
