Cooper-Hewitt's New Acting Director

• By: Caroline Baumann
• | Thursday July 2, 2009
• | 2 Comment(s)

As you may know, Paul Warwick Thompson, the Museum’s director of eight years, has resigned to accept the position of rector of the Royal College of Art in London. Starting July 13th, I will serve as acting director of the museum while a ten-member committee, of which I am a part, searches for a permanent director.

I would like to thank Paul for his dedication to Cooper-Hewitt. It was his vision and leadership that resulted in the current RE:DESIGN project, the most ambitious in the Museum’s history, which will culminate in a dramatic reconfiguration of Cooper-Hewitt and a major increase in its endowment. Phase one of the RE:DESIGN has begun with the renovation of the Miller/Fox townhouses. The Museum and Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden remain open—pardon the trailers—with a great roster of programs and exhibitions, including Cocktails@Cooper-Hewitt, starting July 10th, along with Fashioning Felt and Design for a Living World.

During my tenure at Cooper-Hewitt, I have served as director of development, director of external affairs, and deputy director, and had the good fortune of meeting many of you at various programs throughout the years. I hope to see you at the Museum soon, and look forward to sharing news and updates with you over the summer. In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any comments or suggestions about Cooper-Hewitt.

Caroline Baumann
Acting Director