Pedro Gadanho to Step Down as Director of MAAT Lisbon

Pedro Gadanho, founding director of the MAAT – Museu Arte Arquitetura Tecnologia in Lisbon's Belém district, announced his upcoming departure from the role he has held since the museum's inception in 2016. The announcement coincided with the opening of several exhibitions and site-specific projects tied to the ARCOlisboa art fair. In an interview, Gadanho reflected on the museum's interdisciplinary approach, which combines contemporary art with architecture, urban development, and technology. He emphasized the institution's commitment to commissioning new works from often lesser-known artists, fostering a collaborative process akin to a 'jam session' where artists and curators develop projects over one to two years. Gadanho also discussed Lisbon's rapid transformation, noting both the benefits of increased international attention and the challenges of gentrification and overtourism. He expressed hope that the city's delayed growth could allow for more conscious development. Under his leadership, MAAT maintained a balance between Portuguese and international artists, despite criticism from the local scene for being too outward-looking.