Melanie Keen steps down as Wellcome Collection director

After six years, Melanie Keen is stepping down from her position as director of the Wellcome Collection, a museum and library located in London. She took on the role in 2019, having previously managed Iniva. During her time, she made some contentious choices, such as the 2022 closure of the Medicine Man exhibition, which had showcased items from Henry Wellcome's collection for 15 years. The museum argued that the exhibition reinforced racist, sexist, and ableist narratives while promoting a colonial perspective. The items were subsequently stored away. Keen also engaged contemporary artists, commissioning works related to disability and care, including projects by Jason Wilsher-Mills (2025) and Grace Ndiritu (2022). Sam Owen, the associate director of strategy and governance, will temporarily lead the organization as they search for a new director. The Wellcome Collection is supported by the Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest charity, which allocates around £1 billion each year for scientific research.