Press release —
Tone Hansen to Step Down as Director of MUNCH
Tone Hansen has been appointed Chief Superintendent and Director of Moderna Museet in Sweden. She will therefore step down as Director of MUNCH and assume her new role on 1 September.
“It has been a privilege to lead MUNCH through a pivotal period in the museum’s history. I am proud of what we have achieved together, supported by highly skilled colleagues whose expertise contributes to making MUNCH one of the leading art institutions in our region. We have demonstrated that growth is driven by high professional standards. I will do my utmost to ensure a smooth handover before I begin my new role,” says Tone Hansen.
Hansen has led MUNCH since 2022 and has been responsible for the development of the new museum in Bjørvika.
Moderna Museet is one of Europe’s most important art institutions, with operations in Stockholm and Malmö. From 2026, it also assumes responsibility for ArkDes and the National Public Art Council (Statens konstråd). The expanded organization holds national responsibility for modern and contemporary art, architecture, design, and public art in Sweden, as well as contributions to the Venice Biennale for art and architecture through the Nordic Pavilion.
Tone Hansen will remain in her position through the end of September.
“MUNCH has a strong organization and highly competent staff. We will ensure continuity in operations and a smooth transition until a new director is in place,” says Chief Administrative Officer at MUNCH Henrik Svalheim.
The Oslo Department of Culture and Business Development will immediately begin the recruitment process for a new Museum Director at MUNCH.
“Tone Hansen has played a key role in developing MUNCH following its relocation to Bjørvika. Under her leadership, the museum has strengthened its position as an international art institution. Edvard Munch’s body of work has served as the foundation, combined with an ambitious program in modern and contemporary art. We thank Tone for her contributions and wish her the best of success in her important new role at Moderna Museet,”
says Mehmet Kaan Inan, Oslo City Councillor for Culture and Business Development.
Topics
MUNCH is home to the world's largest collection of works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. 22 October 2021, MUNCH will open in a brand new building on Oslo’s waterfront. The bespoke structure, designed by estudio Herreros, will house more than 26,000 works that Edvard Munch bequeathed to the City of Oslo. The museum also manages collections donated by Rolf Stenersen, Amaldus Nielsen and Ludvig Ravensberg.
The new museum will trace the artist’s profound influence both on modern art and on artists through to the present day. Alongside displays of iconic artworks from the renowned permanent collection, temporary exhibitions will show Edvard Munch’s lasting influence in his own contemporary society, as well as on today’s generation of artists.
Visitors will experience the highlights of Edvard Munch’s oeuvre, in parallel with a wide-ranging programme of cultural events and experiences for visitors of all ages. From its location in Bjørvika, with unparalleled views of the Oslo Fjord, the museum will offer an extensive program of art and cultural experiences across thirteen floors.
