The curator and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Timothy Rub, announced on Friday that he will step down and retire in early 2022.

After the death of former curator and chief executive Anne d’Harnoncourt in 2009, Rub joined the museum and served as the head of the museum for 13 years. “New York Times” reported.

“It is a great honor to be the curator of one of the best art museums in this country,” Rube said in a statement. “It is also an honor to be able to work with talented and dedicated employees and a group of trustees.”

He officially resigned in January 2022 and stated that he would work for the museum on the basis of consultation. The museum stated that it is already looking for replacements, and the chairman of the board, Leslie Anne Miller, stated that the search will “provide the widest network for the best talent.” A report by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

18 months ago, museum employees criticized his leadership because he dealt with a former manager Accused of sexual misconduct, And another was accused of physical abuse.

he Apologize later Regarding this incident, even though employees joined the trade union in August last year, Rube faced challenges in solving gender and equality issues in the museum.

Now, the board of directors and staff have received diversity training and can report any misconduct through the anonymous hotline.

The museum also appointed its first Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access, Alphonso Atkins Jr. (Alphonso Atkins Jr.), who began his position in August.

While in the museum, Rube supervised a $500 million expansion and renovation project This was initiated by his predecessor, d’Harnoncourt. He said he hoped to hold this role for 10 years, but the timetable for the construction project kept him in the museum.

“I think it’s important to stick to the end,” he said.

Now that construction is over, the museum has a new auditorium, education center and new gallery under the terrace overlooking Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Supervising museums during the pandemic is also a challenge.Museum forced close the door During the COVID-19 lockdown last winter.

The museum announced that it will lay off 20% of its staff during the pandemic and expects a budget shortfall of US$6.5 million.

He told the New York Times: “After nearly a year and a half after dealing with the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have also reached the point where we can see that the situation is indeed improving.”

Other museum leaders have resigned in the past year, including President and Chief Operating Officer Gail Harrity (Gail Harrity) and Deputy Director of Collections and Exhibitions Alice Beamsderfer (Alice Beamsderfer).