Ann Temkin, Curator Behind MoMA's Radical Rehang, to Leave Museum

Key facts

• Ann Temkin joined MoMA in 2003 and became head of the painting and sculpture department five years later.
• She is leaving the New York institution.
• Temkin was a major force behind the radical rehang of MoMA's collection.
• In 2019, discrete hangs for photography, book arts, architecture, design, and prints and drawings were replaced by an integrated permanent collection.
• She expanded the collection with an eye on including more women, artists of African descent, and artists outside Europe and North America.
• A notable juxtaposition was Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) with Faith Ringgold's American People Series #20: Die (1967).
• ArtReview described that pairing as 'a high-stakes bet that paid off'.
• Her temporary exhibitions included the current Marcel Duchamp survey (2026) and shows on Marlon Mullen, Lillie P. Bliss, Matisse, Judd, Agnes Gund, Picasso, Robert Gober, Jasper Johns, Ileana Sonnabend, Ellsworth Kelly, Claes Oldenburg, Abstract Expressionism, Gabriel Orozco, and Color Chart.