Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá director resigns amid harassment allegations

Martha Ortiz has resigned as director of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (Mambo) following accusations of harassment and creating a toxic work environment. Her departure in early May 2026 comes after the museum dismissed artistic director Eugenio Viola in February, sparking a leadership crisis. The museum's board stated it will search for a new director with rigor. Board chair Ángela Royo will oversee strategic decisions, while financial manager Francy Hernández handles administration. Ortiz, who had no prior museum leadership experience, took the role in March 2024. Viola's dismissal was announced on social media with comments disabled, prompting an open letter signed by over 140 cultural figures including David Manzur, Óscar Muñoz, Miler Lagos, and Delcy Morelos, demanding transparency. The museum later issued a statement citing sustained discussions about operational structure as reason for Viola's contract termination. The exhibition schedule continues; a solo show by Ana María Rueda titled 'The Sensitive Chaos' opened. Viola claims he alerted the board in September 2025 about deteriorating conditions. Both Ortiz and Viola remain listed on the museum's website.