Gitte Ørskou leaves Moderna Museet after seven years as director

During Gitte Ørskou’s time as director, Moderna Museet has undergone extensive development – artistically, publicly and organisationally. The museum has strengthened its international position through several acclaimed exhibitions and collaborations with leading art institutions, as well as tested new sustainable methods for exhibition production and worked to broaden its public activities and increase accessibility.

The collection has also been expanded by 2,144 works, mainly through private donations. The value of the donated works amounted to SEK 45.5 million in 2024 and SEK 33.3 million in 2025. Visitor numbers have also recovered strongly after the pandemic and the museum has continued its work to reach a broader audience.

– With art and the audience in focus, Gitte Ørskou has further developed Moderna Museet as a leading institution for modern and contemporary art, both in Sweden and internationally. During the past year, Gitte has also contributed to laying the foundation for the future Moderna Museet by leading the authority during a comprehensive organisational change in a responsible and careful manner, Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand says.

Since January 2026, Moderna Museet, ArkDes and the Public Art Agency have been part of a joint authority under the name Moderna Museet. The work of building the new organisation has characterised the past year and entailed a major transition.

– Gitte Ørskou has done fantastic work during a transformative period for Moderna Museet. She has strengthened the museum and been instrumental in building the new organisation. With great responsibility and professionalism, she has laid a strong foundation for the future. I am very pleased with our fine collaboration during this period, Lars Strannegård, Chairman of the Board of Moderna Museet, says.

– It has been a great privilege to lead Moderna Museet during a period of development and change. Together with the museum’s employees, we have worked to strengthen our artistic profile, develop the operations and make the museum more accessible to more people. I am proud of the work that has been carried out and that we have also put together a strong programme for the next three years, says Gitte Ørskou.

Gitte Ørskou is leaving her position as director of Moderna Museet on 31 August 2026.