Philadelphia Museum of Art Director Timothy Rub Announces Retirement Amid Workplace Scrutiny

Timothy Rub is set to retire from his position as director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2022, marking the end of a 13-year period that commenced in 2009. His resignation comes in the wake of recent harassment and physical abuse allegations involving two managers at the museum, which led to staff unionization and criticism of existing power imbalances. In a statement to the New York Times, Rub admitted he should have prioritized the museum's internal culture sooner. Under his leadership, the museum experienced significant expansion and renovation by Frank Gehry to enhance its iconic building for community engagement. Rub takes pride in having enriched the museum’s collections and programs. The board of trustees will initiate an international search for his successor, with Rub remaining as a consultant until a new director is found. The museum's workplace culture has recently been under considerable scrutiny.