Ralph Gleis Named New Director of Vienna's Albertina Museum

Ralph Gleis, former director of the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, has been appointed as the new director of the Albertina Museum in Vienna, succeeding Klaus Albrecht Schröder. In an interview, Gleis outlined his vision for the museum, emphasizing a dynamic dialogue between the permanent collection and contemporary art. He plans to move away from traditional monographic exhibitions toward engaging, thematic shows addressing current issues such as the environment, diversity, and digital cultures. The museum will also prioritize research, including a new international study of its Dürer drawings collection, with results to be published in a catalog in 2028, the 500th anniversary of Dürer's death. Gleis aims to attract more visitors through innovative installations, interactive experiences, and collateral events, exemplified by a participatory drawing machine by Damien Hirst in a major exhibition of his works on paper opening in May. He also intends to strengthen long-term partnerships with other cultural institutions and invest in sustainability and digital art to enhance Vienna's global cultural standing.