Ralph Rugoff, the highly respected curator and director of the renowned Hayward Gallery in London, will be stepping down from his position in Spring 2026, marking the end of an extraordinary twenty-year period at the helm. During his tenure, Rugoff has been pivotal in elevating the gallery’s global reputation, curating a series of critically acclaimed exhibitions that have redefined contemporary art dialogue both in the UK and internationally.
Rugoff’s leadership saw the Hayward Gallery host groundbreaking exhibitions such as Kiss My Genders! in 2019, which deeply engaged with themes of gender fluidity and identity politics. His ability to blend intellectual rigor with accessibility helped establish the gallery as a site where diverse artistic voices thrive. Over the years, Rugoff curated retrospectives for key figures including Kader Attia and Tracey Emin, ensuring the gallery remained on the cutting edge of both historical and contemporary art.
Before taking the directorship at the Hayward in 2006, Rugoff’s career included leadership of the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts in San Francisco and contributions as a writer to major art magazines such as Artforum and Frieze. This background shaped his curatorial practice of comprehensive, thoughtful exhibitions that balance conceptual depth with public engagement.
The gallery under Rugoff’s direction was noted for its experimental shows like Psycho Buildings: Artists Take On Architecture (2008) and Invisible: Art About the Unseen, 1957–2012 (2016), both pushing the boundaries of what contemporary art exhibitions can convey. His tenure also saw the development of a strong international touring program, with Hayward exhibitions traveling to places including Berlin, Beijing, Sydney, Sharjah, and Stockholm, amplifying the gallery’s influence worldwide.
Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Centre, praised Rugoff’s “visionary leadership,” emphasizing how he carved “a unique space for the Hayward Gallery in the global contemporary art ecosystem.” Similarly, Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, highlighted Rugoff’s skill in combining playful and interactive exhibitions with serious critical inquiry, making London a true contemporary art capital.
Addressing his departure, Rugoff expressed his deep affection for the gallery and its audiences, stating, “I have a great love for the Hayward Gallery—for the artists we’ve shown and the audiences who’ve engaged with our exhibitions… and also for the building itself, which was ingeniously designed as a democratic forum that concentrates aesthetic experience.” He intends to continue working as an independent curator and writer moving forward.
The Southbank Centre has announced that an international search for Ralph Rugoff’s successor will commence in Autumn 2025, promising a new chapter for the Hayward with fresh artistic visions.
Image Sources
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Portrait of Ralph Rugoff by Cesare De Giglio, available via FAD Magazine.
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Exhibition still of Kiss My Genders! at the Hayward Gallery, sourced from Southbank Centre official site.
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Hayward Gallery exterior on London’s Southbank, image courtesy of Southbank Centre website.
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Venice Biennale 2019, curated by Rugoff, images courtesy of Venice Biennale official site.
FAQ About Ralph Rugoff’s Departure from Hayward Gallery
Q: Who is Ralph Rugoff?
A: Ralph Rugoff is a celebrated curator and director who has led the Hayward Gallery in London since 2006, known for his innovative exhibitions and global impact on contemporary art.
Q: What are some major exhibitions Rugoff curated at the Hayward?
A: Notable exhibitions include Kiss My Genders!, Invisible: Art About the Unseen, and retrospectives on Kader Attia and Tracey Emin.
Q: What other roles has Rugoff held?
A: Prior to the Hayward, he directed San Francisco’s Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts and contributed to prominent art journals like Artforum and Frieze.
Q: When will he officially step down?
A: Rugoff will leave his role in Spring 2026.
Q: What are his plans after leaving?
A: He plans to continue work as an independent curator and writer.
Q: How has Rugoff influenced London’s contemporary art scene?
A: He helped establish London as a global contemporary art capital through groundbreaking exhibitions and international touring programs.
Q: How is Rugoff’s successor being chosen?
A: The Southbank Centre will conduct a worldwide search starting Autumn 2025.
Ralph Rugoff’s departure closes an influential chapter for the Hayward Gallery, leaving a durable legacy of innovative programming and critical engagement that has significantly shaped London’s contemporary art identity.
Read more about Ralph Rugoff’s tenure at the Hayward Gallery at ARTnews | Learn about key Hayward exhibitions on the Southbank Centre official website | Discover Rugoff’s work at the Venice Biennale 2019
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