The Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Art Museum (“art museum”) announced today the appointment of Daniel H. Weiss as the George D. Widener Director and CEO, effective December 1, 2025. Weiss, an accomplished museum executive with extensive leadership experience at major educational and cultural institutions, will guide the art museum through at least 2028, providing stability for staff, stakeholders, and the community.
“We are extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of Dan Weiss’s caliber and experience step into this critical role,” said Ellen Caplan, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Dan’s proven track record of museum leadership, his deep understanding of the field, and his ability to navigate complex institutional challenges make him ideally suited to provide stability and strategic direction during this critical period for the art museum.”
Weiss brings decades of distinguished service in museum and educational leadership. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met”) from 2015 to 2023, where he oversaw one of the world’s largest and most respected art museums. Prior to The Met, he served as President of Haverford College (2013-2015) and of Lafayette College (2005-2013). Weiss has spent the past two years as a Homewood Professor of the Humanities and Senior Advisor to the Provost for the Arts at Johns Hopkins University, where he received his Ph.D. and served as chair of the Art History department and Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences earlier in his career.
“The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of America’s great cultural treasures, with an extraordinary collection, a dedicated staff, and deep connections to its community,” said Weiss. “It is a privilege and an honor to serve during this important moment, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the art museum continues its vital mission and advances its strategic priorities.”
During Weiss’s tenure at The Met, he led the institution through significant operational improvements, including addressing financial challenges, enhancing visitor experience, and strengthening the museum’s organizational effectiveness and building its infrastructure. Under his leadership, The Met completed a comprehensive facilities master plan, expanded its digital initiatives, and deepened community engagement.
As Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Weiss will oversee all aspects of the art museum’s operations, including curatorial programming, education initiatives, collection stewardship, fundraising, and strategic planning. He will work closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership team to maintain institutional momentum.
The Philadelphia Art Museum ranks among the largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 240,000 objects spanning 2,000 years. The art museum serves approximately 700,000 visitors annually and plays a vital role in Philadelphia’s cultural and civic life.
