Glenn D. Lowry

Glenn D. Lowry is an American art historian and museum director who has served as the sixth director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City since 1995. Under his leadership, MoMA has undergone significant physical expansion and redefinition of its collection and mission, solidifying its status as a preeminent global institution for modern and contemporary art. A scholar of Islamic art, Lowry has been a prominent voice in debates about the role of museums, cultural representation, and the intersection of art and politics in the 21st century. His tenure is marked by ambitious architectural projects, including collaborations with Yoshio Taniguchi and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and a concerted effort to broaden the museum's geographic and cultural scope.

Early life and education

Glenn D. Lowry was born in New York City and developed an early interest in art history. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Williams College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then earned both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the history of art from Harvard University, where he specialized in Islamic art of the 16th and 17th centuries. His doctoral dissertation focused on the urban development and architectural patronage in the city of Fatehpur Sikri during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar. This academic foundation in non-Western art history would later inform his curatorial perspective and directorial vision.

Career at the Museum of Modern Art

Appointed in 1995, Lowry succeeded Richard E. Oldenburg as director of the Museum of Modern Art. He quickly initiated a comprehensive strategic plan to address the institution's need for expanded space and a renewed curatorial focus. His most visible achievement was overseeing MoMA's landmark $858 million expansion and renovation, designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, which opened in 2004 and dramatically increased gallery and public space. In 2019, he presided over another major expansion designed by the firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in collaboration with Gensler, which further reconfigured the museum's campus and presentation of its collection. Throughout his tenure, Lowry has championed the acquisition of major works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko, while also pushing to acquire more works by international and female artists.

Curatorial work and publications

Prior to his directorship, Lowry served as the director of the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto from 1990 to 1995. His scholarly work remains rooted in Islamic art, and he has authored and edited numerous publications on the subject, including studies on Mughal painting and architecture. He has organized and contributed to significant exhibitions that bridge historical and contemporary practices. As a writer and lecturer, he frequently addresses topics such as the global responsibilities of museums, the challenges of displaying cultural heritage, and the evolving canon of modern art. His essays have appeared in publications like The New York Times and catalogs for major institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Leadership and influence in the museum field

Glenn D. Lowry is widely regarded as one of the most influential museum directors of his generation. He has been a vocal advocate for museums as dynamic civic institutions engaged with contemporary societal issues. Under his guidance, MoMA has re-hung its permanent collection multiple times to challenge traditional narratives, incorporating more works from Latin America, Asia, and emerging art scenes. He has served on the boards and committees of organizations such as the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Getty Foundation, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, ambitious fundraising—including the successful completion of MoMA's recent capital campaign—and a commitment to digital innovation in museum practice.

Awards and honors

Lowry's contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards and honorary degrees. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received honors from the French Republic, including the distinction of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from institutions such as Williams College, the University of Toronto, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2014, he received the J. Paul Getty Medal alongside philanthropist Katherine Farley, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the practice and understanding of art.

Category:American art historians Category:Museum directors Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:Williams College alumni Category:Harvard University alumni Category:Directors of the Museum of Modern Art