Guggenheim Director Thomas Kren Faces Criticism Over Commercial Practices
Thomas Kren, director of the Guggenheim Museum in New York since 1990, has taken bold initiatives that contrast with the sluggish machinery of most major international museums. However, critics are targeting this 'business museum' for its multiplying export, sales, and marketing actions. Robin Cembalest observes the risk of cultural imperialism and the use of artworks as bank guarantees.
Key facts
- Thomas Kren has been director of the Guggenheim Museum in New York since 1990.
- Kren's initiatives are described as courageous and contrasting with other major museums.
- The Guggenheim is criticized as a 'business museum' for its commercial activities.
- Critics point to the museum's export, sales, and marketing operations.
- Robin Cembalest notes the risk of cultural imperialism.
- Artworks are reportedly used as collateral for bank guarantees.
- The article was published in artpress in November 1992.
- The original title is 'Guggenheim, musée d'affaires'.
Entities
Institutions
- Guggenheim Museum
- artpress
Locations
- New York
- United States
Sources
- artpress —