The Facts
On September 25, 2026, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum announced the appointment of Maria Kanakis Yang as Deputy Director. Yang, who brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience across cultural institutions, will report directly to Director Melissa Chiu and will focus on institutional priorities, operations, visitor experience, and strategic initiatives. She most recently served as Acting President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony, where she oversaw fundraising and helped lead a capital campaign to refresh Benaroya Hall. Yang joins the museum on September 28, 2026, as the Guggenheim Foundation prepares to undertake a strategic planning process.
The Signal
The appointment signals the Guggenheim's focus on institutional strategy and audience development as it launches a new strategic planning process. Yang's record in fundraising and capital campaigns at the Seattle Symphony, combined with her experience across museums and performing arts, is expected to support efforts to strengthen operations and engage younger audiences. The hire also comes as the foundation advances its international constellation of museums, including the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
- People: Maria Kanakis Yang, Melissa Chiu
- Museums: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Guggenheim New York
- Locations: New York
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