Silvana Annicchiarico resigns as director of Triennale Design Museum after 11 years

Silvana Annicchiarico has resigned as director of the Triennale Design Museum, a position she held since 2007. The official statement from the press office, released by president Stefano Boeri and general director Carlo Morfini, claims the departure is by personal choice and in full agreement with the board. However, the resignation comes just months after a new board took over in March, led by Stefano Boeri and coordinated by Lorenza Baroncelli. In April, Joseph Grima was appointed curator for design, fashion, and craftsmanship. Annicchiarico had an indefinite-term contract, making her departure surprising. She was the creator of the 'mutant museum' model, featuring annual exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. Notable past shows include 'Le Sette Ossessioni del Design Italiano' (curated by Andrea Branzi), 'Quali cose siamo' (Alessandro Mendini), 'Il Design Italiano oltre la Crisi' (Beppe Finessi), and 'W Women in Italian Design' (curated by Annicchiarico). Despite a positive track record, recent editions were criticized as didactic. The resignation also follows debate about a new design museum in Milan, which Annicchiarico supported. The Triennale is preparing for the XXII Esposizione Internazionale 'Broken Nature' curated by Paola Antonelli, opening March 1.