Axel Rüger announced that starting in June 2019 he will become the new Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Rüger joins the Royal Academy from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam where he has served as director since 2006. From 1999-2006 Rüger was the curator of Dutch paintings (1600-1800) at the National Gallery in London and joined CODART in 1999. We wish him the best of luck in London!

From the Van Gogh Museum, 13 February 2019

Axel Rüger: “With great pleasure and passion I have worked at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It has been a privilege to lead this wonderful and successful institution. With great pride I look back at many interesting exhibitions, beautiful acquisitions, extraordinary milestones and colorful and ambitious events during my 13 years at the museum. I am very fortunate that I have been able to collaborate with so many loyal employees and professionals working for the museum. I am honored to have been asked to lead the Royal Academy of Arts alongside its President and carry forward this 250 year old institution with its rich history and heritage. I look forward to starting in London in June, knowing that I will leave the Van Gogh Museum in good hands, with many promising exhibitions and activities already scheduled in the near future.”

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded by King George III in 1768. It has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to be a voice for art and artists. Its public program promotes the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate. Recent exhibitions include Charles I: King and Collector, Oceania and the 250th Summer Exhibition. It is financially completely independent with the principal income deriving from the 1.5 million annual visitors, commercial revenue and the support of the 95,000-member strong friends organization.