PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- A former President of Lafayette College in Easton has been tapped to become the new CEO and Director of the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Daniel Weiss will officially assume the new role on December 1. He will “guide the art museum through at least 2028, providing stability for staff, stakeholders, and the community,” according to a news release from its board of trustees.

Weiss previously served as President and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City from 2015 to 2023. Prior to that, he held the top job at Lafayette College from 2005-2013.

Weiss also served as President of Haverford College from 2013-2015.

Of his new job, he had this to say, according to the news release: 

“The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of America’s great cultural treasures, with an extraordinary collection, a dedicated staff, and deep connections to its community. It is a privilege and an honor to serve during this important moment, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the art museum continues its vital mission and advances its strategic priorities.” 

Weiss holds a Ph.D. in western medieval and Byzantine art from Johns Hopkins University, an MBA from Yale University, and a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. 

In his new role he will be overseeing a collection of more than 240,000 objects spanning 2,000 years. About 700,000 people visit the Philadelphia Art Museum every year.

The Lehigh Valley may be able to hear an early progress report on how the gig is going when Weiss stops by Allentown next month. He’ll join Allentown Art Museum President and CEO Max Weintraub for what’s being billed as a conversation on “Why the Museum Matters.”

Weiss penned a book by the same name that was published in 2022. According to the Allentown Art Museum, during the event Weiss will reflect on the essential role museums play in strengthening communities, shaping culture, and connecting us to ideas that transcend time.

The event is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11 in the museum’s auditorium.

Admission is free but seating is limited. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time here.

The Allentown Art Museum is located at 31 North Fifth Street.