Rubin Museum Looks to the Future With a New Director, Jorrit Britschgi

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Impermanence, according to Buddhists, is one of the three characteristics of reality. This was borne out on a small scale Thursday when the Rubin Museum of Art announced that they had appointed Jorrit Britschgi as their new executive director.

“We are very pleased that Jorrit will be leading the Rubin Museum into the future. Himalayan art has a lot to say about the issues of our time, and Jorrit will help the Rubin leverage the art’s voice in new, dynamic and engaging ways,” said Bob Baylis, Board President.

Mr. Britschgi succeeds Patrick Sears, who has retired after five years in the position.

“I’m very proud to be appointed to the position and I feel it’s really a huge opportunity to allow a broader audience to see why Himalayan art and ideas are relevant today,” Mr. Britschgi said in an interview.

Mr. Britschgi is not new to the Rubin. He has been serving as the museum’s director of exhibitions, collections, and research. Before this he was head of exhibitions and publications at the Museum Rietberg in Zurich.

The Rubin also announced that it would be organizing itself around a theme in 2018: The Future. This concept will serve as a link between the museum’s varied exhibitions and events.

“From scientific theories to Buddhist and Vedic philosophies, the Rubin Museum will delve into questions about the nature of time, along with how and why humans continue to be fascinated by the future,” a statement from the museum reads.

When asked about the connection of the theme to current events, Mr. Britschgi acknowledged that some people fear the future. “One thing we’re trying to do is give people a platform to express their hopes and anxieties for the future,” he said.

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