Four days after unveiling the design for its new building by Herzog + de Meuron, the Miami Art Museum was making headlines again. This time it was to announce that its director, Terence Riley, had resigned on Monday. Riley, an architect and former chief curator of architecture and design at MoMA, served as the museum’s director for nearly four years, during which time he greatly expanded its collection and its visibility in the art world. His resignation comes at a critical time in the institution’s evolution, which Riley himself said on the occasion of his hiring in 2006 “was on the cusp of becoming a leading center for art internationally”.

Riley will stay on as a consultant until June 30th 2010 and advise the museum on matters related to the new building, which is slated to open in 2013. No reason was given for his departure. Riley plans to resume his role as a Partner in the New York-based design studio, Keenen/Riley Architects.

Sharon McHugh
US Correspondent