Former Mam Rio director fined $20,000 for breach of contract
A court in Rio de Janeiro has mandated that Fábio Szwarcwald, the former head of the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, pay 100,000 reais, approximately $20,000, after he disclosed confidential information, breaching his contract. Szwarcwald, who held the position from 2020 to 2022, resigned amid concerns about safety, notably the lack of fire insurance from 2006 onwards. The museum accused him of tarnishing its reputation. His tenure saw operating expenses rise from 14 million to 22 million reais. Szwarcwald insists he implemented key improvements and raised significant funds, and he intends to appeal the court’s decision.
Key facts
- Fábio Szwarcwald fined 100,000 reais (~$20,000) for breach of contract
- Szwarcwald was director of Mam Rio from 2020 to 2022
- He publicly stated museum lacked fire insurance from 2006 to 2022
- Operating costs rose from 14m to 22m reais during his tenure
- Fundraising increased to 20m reais during same period
- Museum installed 80 security cameras, up from 16
- Szwarcwald previously directed Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage
- Mam Rio's 1978 fire destroyed its library and about 600 works
Entities
Artists
- Constantin Brâncuși
- Alberto Giacometti
- Hélio Oiticica
- Tarsila do Amaral
- Affonso Eduardo Reidy
Institutions
- Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro (Mam Rio)
- Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage
Locations
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil