Leadership Transition at North Carolina Museum of Art as Director Moves to Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
In a significant development for the art community, Dr. Valerie Hillings, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and CEO of its Foundation, is set to become the first director of the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The museum, focused on modern and contemporary art, is scheduled to open on December 11, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates.
Appointed in 2018, Hillings has been instrumental in the museum’s growth, overseeing the most extensive private fundraising effort in its history and expanding its campuses in Raleigh and Winston-Salem. Reflecting on her tenure, Hillings remarked, “I leave the North Carolina Museum of Art enormously proud and grateful. We weathered a global pandemic; reimagined, reinstalled, and grew the People’s Collection; designed and initiated transformational capital projects at the Raleigh and Winston-Salem campuses; and expanded statewide outreach initiatives to serve a larger and more representative audience. The state of the North Carolina Museum of Art is strong and its future bright.”
The advancements made under Hillings’ leadership were supported by the state, thanks to appropriations from the Governor and the North Carolina General Assembly, alongside contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell acknowledged Hillings’ impact, noting, “Valerie Hillings’ vision and leadership will be felt long into the future. She never forgot that the North Carolina Museum of Art belongs to the people of North Carolina. We celebrate her tenure and wish her all the best as she assumes this exciting new role, which is a testament to her reputation.”
Katherine White, who has served as the NCMA deputy director since 2018, will step in as Interim Director once Hillings departs on August 19. The DNCR plans to hire a search firm to find a permanent successor.
About the North Carolina Museum of Art
The NCMA is recognized as a leading art institution in the South, with a collection that spans 5,000 years from ancient times to the present. The museum offers a variety of educational and cultural experiences, including special exhibitions, classes, and events. Its 164-acre Museum Park blends art and nature, featuring site-specific environmental artworks. The museum, located at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh, is under the guidance of Gov. Josh Stein and the DNCR, led by Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. For more details, visit ncartmuseum.org.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enhances North Carolina’s arts, culture, history, and natural landscapes. Managing over 100 sites statewide, DNCR plays a vital role in education, economic development, public health, and community resilience. Additional information is available at www.dncr.nc.gov.
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