BILBAO.- At the meeting of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao’s Board of Trustees held May 20, Juan Ignacio Vidarte announced his decision of stepping down as Director General of the Museum over the course of the year, thus culminating a long, fruitful 32-year career since he was appointed Director of the Consortium for the development of the Museum project in 1992, and in 1996 its founding Director General.

At the press conference held recently, Juan Ignacio Vidarte offered some details about a decision he has been meditating in the last few years, delayed by the covid pandemic, and which he finally announced officially at yesterday’s meeting of the Board.

Juan Ignacio Vidarte considers that the time has come to close this phase of a cycle and write another chapter in the history of the Museum, giving way to new experiences and reflect the ideas and perspectives of the next and emerging generations.

“I believe the time is right to close this phase of a cycle that began with the development of an ambitious, almost utopian, initiative, the creation of a team to lead it, and the launch of a museum unlike any other—one that could and did help transform the image and aspirations of an entire country”, stated Juan Ignacio Vidarte.

“Promote generational change”

In Juan Ignacio Vidarte’s opinion, “The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is flourishing, with historic levels of attendance (1.3 million visitors in 2023), economic impact (760 million euros in 2023), social and institutional support, and self-financing. Equally meaningful are our significant achievements in digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and the development of an internationally renowned program and collection.”

For this reason, he believes it is his “responsibility to promote generational change by facilitating the process of identifying the person who will lead the museum in the coming years writing another chapter in its history, and to give way to new people and initiatives who will continue this success story. As an institution committed to the art of today, the museum must remain dynamic and reflect the ideas and perspectives of the next and emerging generations. Guiding this transition is my commitment,” Vidarte concluded.

Search process

The Board of the Museum has decided to initiate a process for selecting the next Director General, a search to be led by a specialized international firm with extensive experience in recruiting executives within the artistic and cultural industry. This process is expected to conclude in fall. As from June 3, candidates will find more information on the Museum’s website.

Acknowledgments

Juan Ignacio Vidarte expressed his gratitude to the audacious leaders of the Basque Administrations, who “placed their trust in me three decades ago when they appointed me to lead the Consortium created to promote this project, and to the Board of Trustees, who gave me the responsibility and privilege of being the new museum’s first Director General.”

“I am deeply indebted to them for their support, wisdom, and guidance. I am also grateful to the Board and Directors of the Guggenheim Foundation in New York, with whom we have forged a strong alliance over these many years as we worked together to develop artistic programming of international impact and acclaim,” Vidarte remarked.

He also extended his thanks to the “excellent team of professionals that have accompanied me in this journey and whose talent, efforts, and commitment have made it possible for the Museum to fulfill and exceed the objectives it was born to achieve.”

“My gratitude also goes to the Trustees of the Bilbao Foundation for their support, which many of them granted the Museum from the inauguration, and to the rest of Corporate Members, Members of Honor, and International Members for their enthusiasm and loyalty; and of course, my appreciation to the collectives of Friends and Followers, a great example of the passionate, unconditional support the Museum has received,” concluded Vidarte.