Miguel Falomir Faus to Become New Director of the Prado

Miguel Falomir Faus, currently deputy director of conservation and research at the Museo del Prado, is set to become its new director, replacing Miguel Zugaza. The appointment, though not yet official, has been widely reported. Falomir, a specialist in Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting, was the sole candidate and received unanimous approval from a selection committee convened by José Pedro Pérez-Lorca, president of the Prado's board. The committee included outgoing director Miguel Zugaza, former culture ministers Pilar del Castillo and Javier Solana, Secretary of State for Culture Fernando Benzo, Antonio Bonet Correa of the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Luis Lafuente of the Ministry of Culture, painter Hernán Cortés Moreno, and philosopher Amelia Valcárcel. Falomir had initially hesitated to accept the role. Other potential candidates included Leticia Ruiz, a Prado art historian and El Greco expert. The official appointment will be formalized at a special board meeting on March 15, then submitted to the Council of Ministers, with Education and Culture Minister Íñigo Méndez de Vigo making the final announcement.