Nicholas Cullinan

Nicholas Cullinan. He is a British museum director and curator, appointed as the Director of the British Museum in 2024. Previously, he served as the Director of the National Portrait Gallery from 2015, overseeing a major redevelopment of that institution. His career has been distinguished by significant curatorial roles at major international museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Early life and education

Cullinan was educated at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire. He subsequently read History of Art at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a first-class degree. He then pursued postgraduate studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, where he completed his PhD on the Italian Futurist movement and its relationship with Fascism.

Career

Cullinan began his professional career at the Tate Modern, working as a curator in the Exhibitions department. He later joined The Metropolitan Museum of Art as the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, where he contributed to major exhibitions and the development of the museum's collection. His international profile was further established through roles as a curator for the Venice Biennale and other significant global art events, collaborating with institutions like the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid.

Directorship of the National Portrait Gallery

Appointed Director in 2015, Cullinan led the National Portrait Gallery through its most significant transformation since the 19th century. He spearheaded the ambitious "Inspiring People" redevelopment project, a major capital campaign that involved a comprehensive refurbishment of the building designed by Ewan Christian. During his tenure, he oversaw acclaimed exhibitions such as a major retrospective of Cindy Sherman and worked to diversify the gallery's collection and programming, engaging with contemporary artists like David Hockney and Lubaina Himid.

Directorship of the British Museum

In 2024, Cullinan was selected to succeed Hartwig Fischer as Director of the British Museum. His appointment comes at a critical period for the institution, which faces ongoing debates concerning cultural restitution, notably related to the Parthenon Marbles, and security challenges following a high-profile theft scandal. His early priorities include advancing the museum's masterplan, a major renovation project supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and navigating complex dialogues with international bodies such as the UNESCO.

Publications and curatorial work

Cullinan is a noted scholar and author, having published extensively on modern and contemporary art. His publications include the monograph *Matisse: The Cut-Outs*, co-published by Tate Publishing, and essays in catalogues for exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. His significant curatorial projects include co-curating *Twombly and Poussin: Arcadian Painters* for the Dulwich Picture Gallery and organizing a retrospective of Henri Cartier-Bresson for the National Portrait Gallery. Category:British museum directors Category:British curators Category:Alumni of the University of Cambridge Category:Alumni of the Courtauld Institute of Art