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Karole P.B. Vail Appointed Director of Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice

institutional · 2026-05-05

Karole P.B. Vail, granddaughter of Peggy Guggenheim, has been named the new director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, succeeding Philip Rylands after his 37-year tenure. The transition becomes effective on June 11. Vail, who spent her childhood in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, describes her grandmother's influence as an "informal but formative education." She aims to uphold the institution's educational mission and public engagement, especially in uncertain times, while maintaining its status as "an oasis where visitors can find relief and feel united." Vail brings extensive curatorial experience and expertise in early 20th-century art. The museum, which attracts over 410,000 visitors annually, plans to continue its strong exhibition program while exploring new sponsorships. Richard Armstrong, director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, welcomed the appointment as a "homecoming."

Key facts

  • Karole P.B. Vail is the new director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
  • She is the granddaughter of Peggy Guggenheim.
  • Vail succeeds Philip Rylands, who directed the collection for 37 years.
  • The transition becomes effective on June 11.
  • Vail spent her childhood at Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
  • She has curatorial experience and expertise in early 20th-century art.
  • The museum has over 410,000 visitors annually.
  • Richard Armstrong called the appointment a 'homecoming'.

Entities

Artists

  • Karole P.B. Vail
  • Peggy Guggenheim
  • Philip Rylands
  • Richard Armstrong
  • László Moholy-Nagy
  • Alberto Giacometti
  • Sandro Rumney

Institutions

  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection
  • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
  • Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
  • Artribune
  • Guggenheim Foundation
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • Non-Objectif Sud

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Canal Grande
  • Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Los Angeles
  • southern France
  • Paris

Sources