Ralph Rugoff to Leave Hayward Gallery in 2026

Ralph Rugoff will resign from his position as director of the Hayward Gallery in Spring 2026, as confirmed by the Southbank Centre. Having joined the London venue in 2006, he previously led the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts in San Francisco. Over his 20-year tenure, Rugoff curated 23 exhibitions, created international touring programs, initiated public art projects across the Southbank Centre, and introduced free programming in the HENI Project Space in 2008. Additionally, he was the guest curator for the 2015 Biennale de Lyon and the artistic director of the 2019 Venice Biennale. Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Centre, commended Rugoff’s efforts in establishing the Hayward as a significant site for contemporary art. An international search for his replacement will commence in Autumn 2025.