Kunsthaus Zürich Appoints Hendrik Folkerts as Chief Curator, Maja Wismer as Head of Collection and Research
The Facts
On August 29, 2025, Kunsthaus Zürich announced the appointment of Hendrik Folkerts as Chief Curator of Programme and Maja Wismer as Head of Collection and Research. Folkerts, who previously held senior curatorial roles at Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, will assume his position on February 1, 2026. Wismer most recently led the Department of Art after 1960 and Contemporary Art at Kunstmuseum Basel. Both will work with Director Ann Demeester to advance the museum's curatorial vision, emphasizing a transhistorical approach that spans art from the 13th century to the present.
The Signal
The appointments signal a strategic investment in curatorial leadership at one of Switzerland’s leading museums. Folkerts brings expertise in performance, feminist and queer perspectives, and contemporary painting, while Wismer’s background in modern and contemporary art strengthens the institution’s collection and research capacity. Together, they are expected to foster a programme that bridges classical and innovative art, positioning Kunsthaus Zürich for continued international relevance.
- People: Hendrik Folkerts, Maja Wismer, Ann Demeester
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich, Moderna Museet, Art Institute of Chicago, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Kunstmuseum Basel
- Locations: Zürich
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