The Frick Collection announced the appointment of Axel Rüger as the museum’s next Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen director. He begins the new post in early 2025, when the museum reopens.
Rüger has served as secretary and chief executive of the Royal Academy of Arts in London since May 2019. During his tenure, he oversaw a £23 million ($30.5 million) redevelopment of the Royal Academy schools and curated two acclaimed exhibitions, including “Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South” (2023) and a retrospective of the work of British artist Sir Michael Craig-Martin (2024). He also previously helmed the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Prior to that, Rüger held a curatorial position at London’s National Gallery, where he oversaw the collection of seventeenth and eighteenth-century Dutch paintings.
Additionally, Rüger is a trustee of the U.K.’s Art Fund and serves on the advisory board of Van Lanschot Kempen Bankiers in the Netherlands.
“The Frick is a uniquely special place, and there is not another museum in the world quite like it,” Rüger said in a statement. “Leading the Frick—with its spectacular collection of stunning masterpieces, rich history of exhibitions, intimate residential setting, library, and location in such an exciting city—is an irresistible proposition, particularly at this milestone moment. Following the largest renovation in the institution’s history, it’s an exciting time to re-open, develop exciting programs for loyal visitors, and welcome new audiences who have not yet discovered this treasure trove of a museum.”
The Frick began a global search for its next director in spring 2024, after Ian Wardropper announced his retirement. Wardropper led the New York institution for fourteen years, developing strategic planning strategies and growth, including the first comprehensive renovation of its historic buildings in almost 90 years.
“Axel is a rare museum director who embodies a complex set of skills, all of which are of great importance, particularly at this pivotal moment for cultural organizations. As an established museum director, he brings steady, strategic insight, as well as a proven ability to inspire and guide dynamic teams to great achievement. A brilliant mind in the field, he also holds a highly relevant curatorial background. As we prepare to embark on a new era for the Frick, I am confident in his ability to steer us well. I extend my deepest gratitude to Ian Wardropper for his steady leadership of our organization. Ian’s vision and tireless work serve as our foundation as we move forward,” said the Frick Collection’s board chair Elizabeth M. Eveillard.
