Oct. 07--Douglas Druick, Art Institute president and director, told his board Tuesday evening that he will step down when a successor is in place.
Druick, 70, has been in charge at the Chicago museum since 2011. He told staffers he felt it made sense to go now, before the museum gets into the next five-year phase of its long-term plan.
His accomplishments include overseeing numerous award-winning exhibitions and managing the largest art donation in the museum's history, 42 contemporary works from the collection of Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson, as well as leading the institution as it was named top museum in the world by Trip Advisor.
"I have been deeply proud to lead one of the finest museums in the world," said Druick, who started at the museum in 1985, "and to work for three decades with an exceptional cadre of remarkably talented museum colleagues. It is my hope that together we have ensured a solid footing for the Art Institute ... with a future filled with more opportunities than challenges."
Bob Levy, the museum's board chairman, said, "Douglas is one of the most respected, thoughtful, and innovative museum leaders in the world. He has made extraordinary contributions to the development of the Art Institute."
Levy cited achievements including "Douglas' initiatives to place a stronger emphasis than ever before on visitor access and engagement, and on championing global diversity."
Druick was educated at McGill University, the University of Toronto and Yale.
sajohnson@tribpub.com
