The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) announced today that Don Bacigalupi, its president, director, and CEO since 2003, has accepted the directorship at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Bacigalupi and Alice Walton, founder and chair of the board of trustees of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, made the formal announcement at a press conference in Bentonville this afternoon. His last day at the Museum will be in mid-October.
"I have enjoyed immensely my six years in Toledo," Bacigalupi said. "This Museum-without question-is one of the most brilliant gems among cultural institutions anywhere, and it has been an honor to have led TMA for these very productive years."
A specialist in Post-WWII contemporary art and popular culture, Bacigalupi is credited with expanding the Museum's contemporary art collection through the acquisitions of such iconic works as Marisol's The Party, Duane Hanson's Executive and Dale Chihuly's Chandelier Campiello del Remer #2. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction and opening of the renowned Glass Pavilion (2006), designed by the Japanese firm SANAA, Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates. This elegant building was named "Best Museum" design in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine in 2007.
"Don Bacigalupi has been an outstanding director of the Toledo Museum of Art," said Betsy Brady, chair of the board of directors. "His focus on education, accessibility, creative programming, and outreach has engaged and inspired new audiences. That, combined with the ability to plan strategically, extend a world class collection, motivate and inspire talented staff, and maintain fiscal integrity in difficult economic times, leaves the Museum in a very strong position to attract top talent."
Prior to his arrival in Toledo, Bacigalupi served as executive director of the San Diego Museum of Art (1999-2003); director and chief curator of the Blaffer Gallery, the art museum of the University of Houston (1995-1999); and the Brown Curator of Contemporary Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art (1993-1995).
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, now under construction, will be a premier art institution dedicated to American art and artists, learning and community gatherings. Museum founder Alice Walton, an heiress to the Wal-Mart fortune, has a vision for the institution not unlike that of Edward and Florence Scott Libbey more than 100 years ago. "I liken Miss Walton to the Libbeys in her passion for art and community, education and accessibility," Bacigalupi noted.
The complex will encompass more than 100,000 square feet of public space, including galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, a large auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, and sculpture and walking trails. The museum takes its name from the nearby natural springs and the unique glass-and-wood design of architect Moshe Safdie.
"While we are saddened to lose Don's talented and forward looking leadership, he has been offered a remarkable opportunity to fulfill a vision very similar to that of the Libbeys-in another locale a century later, which has to be incredibly exciting. We are proud and happy for Don and his family and wish him all the best," Brady said.
The executive committee of the Toledo Museum of Art board of directors will name an acting director and discuss plans for a nationwide search for Bacigalupi's replacement within the next two weeks. "We are confident of identifying another exciting leader for the next chapter of Museum history, and accomplishing a smooth transition through broad community support and a highly capable internal staff," Brady said.
