Cornell University has named Edouard Kopp the next Richard J. Schwartz Director of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, with his appointment beginning Nov. 1.
Kopp is chief curator of the Menil Drawing Institute in Houston, where he has worked for seven years. Cornell said his responsibilities there have included administration, exhibitions, outreach and stewardship of works spanning the 16th century to the present.
He previously held positions at the Harvard Art Museums and the J. Paul Getty Museum. His work has included major exhibitions and research focused on drawings and works on paper.
Museum leadership transition
Kopp will succeed Jessica Levin Martinez, who left Cornell in February to lead the Corning Museum of Glass. Ellen Avril has served as interim director during the search.
Provost Kavita Bala said Kopp brings curatorial depth and a commitment to connecting museum collections with teaching. Deputy Provost Avery August said the search emphasized leadership, scholarship and public engagement.
At the Menil, Kopp helped secure more than $8 million for acquisitions and expanded the collection by more than 600 drawings, according to Cornell. He also worked on grants and partnerships intended to broaden access to the collection.
Focus on teaching and access
Kopp said he views university museums as places where students and faculty can test ideas across disciplines. He plans to build relationships with Cornell programs while expanding the museum's role for visitors from Ithaca and beyond.
The Johnson Museum holds collections used in university courses and public exhibitions. Kopp's appointment will place him in charge of exhibitions, collections, education and institutional planning.
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