Warhol Museum director resigns amid controversy over $60M masterplan

Patrick Moore has announced his resignation as the director of the Andy Warhol Museum and as vice president of Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, as he plans to move to Spain. His departure comes during a contentious time regarding the 'Pop District,' a decade-long, $60 million project aimed at rejuvenating the museum's surroundings. This initiative includes a Creative Entrepreneur Lab and The Warhol Creative, which teaches kids digital content skills for the museum and companies like Dell and Howmet Aerospace, focusing on women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The Warhol faced a $2.4 million loss in 2022, worsened by non-tourable artworks. A proposed music venue may enhance revenue, though some senior staff have left, and critics argue the district distracts from the museum's mission. During Moore’s tenure, exhibitions reduced from three to two annually. He leaves on a high note, as the museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with the 'KAWS + Warhol' opening on May 17.