MoMA's Former Director on How to Handle Artists and...

By Holly Peterson | Illustration by Lorenzo D’Alessandro for WSJ. Magazine

April 05, 2026

 The Institutional Evolution

Lorenzo D’Alessandro

My Thoughts: I think about how an institution journeys through time. MoMA isn't a static building; it’s a moving target. Glenn Lowry has spent three decades navigating the space between David Rockefeller’s original blueprint and a future that demands more inclusivity and digital density. It’s a reminder that even the most solid foundations must remain fluid to survive the journey from one century to the next.

4 Big Facts:

  • Main Points

    • The Tenure: Glenn Lowry reflects on his 30-year career as the director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the longest in the museum's history.

    • The Legacy: The interview explores how the museum has balanced the traditional "Rockefeller" vision with the needs of a contemporary audience.

    • The Expansion: It details the physical and conceptual growth of the museum, including the major 2019 renovation and expansion.

    • The Future: Lowry discusses the challenge of keeping a "Modern" museum relevant in a "Post-Contemporary" world where digital and physical experiences are blurred.