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Maria Schnyder Appointed New Director of De Pont Museum

institutional · 2026-04-21

Maria Schnyder has been appointed as the new director of De Pont Museum, taking over from Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen, who will retire on October 1, 2026. Born in 1986, the Swiss art historian joined the museum in 2013 and has held the roles of deputy director and curator for the last four years. Her efforts have been pivotal in developing the exhibition program and enhancing the museum's reputation. Before her time at De Pont, Schnyder worked as an independent researcher and author for institutions like S.M.A.K. in Ghent. Taco Dibbits, the Chairman of the Board, remarked that Schnyder is perfectly qualified to lead an artist-focused institution. The board officially confirmed her appointment.

Key facts

  • Maria Schnyder appointed new director of De Pont Museum
  • Succeeds Martijn van Nieuwenhuyzen who retires October 1, 2026
  • Schnyder is a Swiss art historian born in 1986
  • She has been with De Pont since 2013
  • Served as deputy director and curator for four years
  • Previously worked as independent researcher/author for S.M.A.K. in Ghent
  • Taco Dibbits is Chairman of the Board of De Pont Museum
  • De Pont Museum operates from artists' perspectives according to Dibbits

Entities

Institutions

  • De Pont Museum
  • S.M.A.K.

Locations

  • Ghent
  • Belgium

Sources