Hammer Museum names Zoë Ryan as its new director

Marcy Carsey, chair of the Hammer Museum at UCLA’s board of directors, has announced the appointment of Zoë Ryan as the museum’s next director. Ryan will officially step into the role on January 1, 2025, following the retirement of longtime director Ann Philbin in November 2024.

Philbin’s Legacy and Transition

Ann Philbin, who has led the museum for an impressive 25 years, announced her retirement in 2023. Reflecting on her time at the Hammer, Philbin said, “It has been the most extraordinary journey of my life to lead the Hammer Museum for the last 25 years, and I am excited to hand the baton to Zoë Ryan to lead the museum into its next chapter.”

Ryan’s Background and Vision

Ryan comes from the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has been the Daniel W. Dietrich II Director since 2020. During her tenure at ICA, she oversaw a critically acclaimed exhibition program, initiated an annual art commission, and expanded public engagement efforts. She focused on building partnerships both locally and internationally.

At ICA, Ryan also developed a new strategic vision that emphasized community engagement and a commitment to collaboration and experimentation. Previously, she held the role of John H. Bryan Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago from 2006 to 2020. In this role, she shaped the vision for collecting and exhibiting modern and contemporary architecture and design, overseeing a collection of more than 250,000 objects. Ryan curated the second Istanbul Design Biennial in 2014, showcasing her international influence and engagement with contemporary design practices.

A Welcome Reception

Zoë Ryan’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from museum stakeholders and the broader UCLA community. Carsey expressed her excitement: “Zoë is a leader known for building support for daring and ambitious projects and her steadfast commitment to artists. We’re very excited for her to bring these skills to the Hammer.”

Ryan herself is eager to take on this new role. “The Hammer Museum is one of the most exciting museums in the country,” she said. “It has had an electrifying effect on Los Angeles’ ascendance as a global arts capital. With its experimental exhibitions and dynamic public programs, the Hammer has set the pace for museums to engage with the critical issues of our time.”

UCLA’s Enthusiastic Support

UCLA’s administration also welcomed the news. Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt highlighted the museum’s importance to both UCLA and the city of Los Angeles, stating, “The Hammer Museum is a linchpin of the arts at UCLA and within our city, with an international reputation for excellence and experimentation.”

Lionel Popkin, interim dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, added, “Her cross-disciplinary curiosity and intellectual rigor will undoubtedly enrich the creative and intellectual fabric of our school and campus.”

Ryan’s Notable Projects and Achievements

Throughout her career, Ryan has been recognized as a champion for artists and experimental ideas. While at ICA, she expanded the institution’s reputation as a hub for contemporary art, research, and ideas. She also oversaw the critically acclaimed exhibition “Ulysses Jenkins: Without Your Interpretation,” which was co-organized with the Hammer Museum.

Ryan has been an active lecturer and educator, teaching graduate courses in design history and theory at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Upcoming projects include a co-edited volume of writings by Cuban-Mexican designer Clara Porset. She has also authored several publications and curated major exhibitions on architects and designers.

Moving Forward

Ryan brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to the Hammer Museum. As a member of several prestigious advisory councils and holding degrees in art history, she is well-positioned to lead the Hammer into its next chapter. With her appointment, the museum aims to continue its role as a leading institution in the arts, fostering community engagement and championing innovative programming.

Ryan will begin her directorship on January 1, 2025, while Philbin will conclude her tenure in November 2024. The Hammer community eagerly anticipates this transition and the new directions Ryan will bring.

Photo: Constance Mensh