The Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow has appointed a new director, marking its first leadership change since 2010. This significant development comes at a time when the museum is undergoing substantial transformations, including plans for a major expansion in Gorky Park.
A New Era for Garage Museum
Founded in 2008 by Dasha Zhukova and Roman Abramovich, the Garage Museum quickly became a prominent institution in Moscow’s contemporary art scene. Initially housed in the Bakhmetev sky Bus Garage, the museum relocated in 2015 to a purpose-built facility designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. Under the leadership of Anton Belov, who served as director from 2010, the museum expanded its programming and international collaborations.
Strategic Vision and Future Plans
The appointment of a new director signals a strategic shift as the museum plans to broaden its scope. In June 2024, Garage announced a new direction focusing on collecting contemporary Russian art from the 1980s to the present. This initiative aims to document and preserve the evolution of Russian art during a period of significant social and political change.
Additionally, the museum is embarking on a major expansion project in Gorky Park. Designed by Japanese architectural firm SANAA, the new structure, known as the Hexagon, will incorporate elements of the historic Machines and Tools Pavilion. The Hexagon will provide over 2,000 square meters of exhibition space, a library housing 200,000 books, and an underground exhibition hall for large-scale events. This expansion is expected to enhance Garage’s capacity to host diverse exhibitions and cultural programs
Looking Ahead
As the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art enters this new chapter, the appointment of a new director and the upcoming expansion reflect its commitment to evolving and adapting to the dynamic landscape of contemporary art. These developments promise to further solidify Garage’s position as a leading cultural institution in Russia and beyond.
