The Supervisory Board of the Nieuwe Instituut, the Netherlands’ national museum for architecture, design, and digital culture, has announced the appointment of British-Nigerian curator Yesomi Umolu as its new General and Artistic Director, effective March 1, 2026. She succeeds Aric Chen, who stepped down from the role last summer.
With this appointment, the Nieuwe Instituut ushers in a new chapter under the joint leadership of Umolu and Aukje Bolle, the current General and Managing Director. Together, they will guide the Rotterdam-based institution in advancing its mission to explore how architecture, design, and digital culture contribute to addressing contemporary social and ecological challenges.
A Visionary with Global Experience
Known for her innovative curatorial practice and intellectual depth, Yesomi Umolu brings extensive international experience to the Nieuwe Instituut. She currently serves as Director of Curatorial Affairs and Public Practice at the Serpentine in London, where she leads artistic programming and curatorial strategy.
Previously, Umolu gained global recognition as the Artistic Director of the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial, the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America. Her direction of the Biennial, titled …And Other Such Stories, was lauded for its exploration of social justice, spatial equity, and community engagement—concepts that have continued to shape her curatorial outlook.
Over the years, Umolu has curated numerous exhibitions, commissions, and publications with leading artists, architects, and designers. Beyond her curatorial projects, she is an advisor to cultural and philanthropic organizations and is frequently invited to speak internationally on topics related to curatorial practice, museum ethics, and design’s role in shaping inclusive futures.
Her leadership in the arts has also included serving as a trustee of the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts in Chicago and as a member of the curatorial advisory board for the U.S. Pavilion at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale.
Welcoming a New Era at Nieuwe Instituut
The appointment of Yesomi Umolu marks a significant milestone for the Nieuwe Instituut, reflecting its growing emphasis on global collaboration and forward-thinking cultural dialogue.
Farah Karimi, Chair of the Supervisory Board, praised Umolu’s appointment, noting:
“We are delighted to welcome Yesomi Umolu as the new General and Artistic Director of the Nieuwe Instituut. With her training as an architect and her outstanding international experience, including her curatorship of the Chicago Architecture Biennale, Yesomi brings a distinctive combination of disciplinary expertise and cultural imagination. Her vision for architecture, design, and digital culture makes her exceptionally well suited to lead, together with Aukje Bolle, the Nieuwe Instituut into an exciting new chapter.”
In her statement, Umolu expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the institution into its next phase:
“It’s a great honor to lead a new chapter in the Nieuwe Instituut’s artistic journey. Nieuwe Instituut is a singular institution that brings together heritage and contemporary practice across architecture, design, and digital culture – fields that have deeply shaped my curatorial work. I look forward to working closely with Aukje Bolle and colleagues across the Nieuwe Instituut to further strengthen our institutional practice, and to develop programming that is ambitious, meaningful, and sustainable.”
Aukje Bolle, General and Managing Director, added:
“With her arrival at the Nieuwe Instituut, Yesomi Umolu will make a positive contribution to the further development of our wonderful organization. Yesomi brings a wealth of experience from internationally renowned cultural institutions, extensive knowledge of architecture, design, and contemporary art, and a clear vision of the role that design disciplines can play in the social, ecological, and digital challenges of our time. She is an asset to the organization and the sector, and I look forward to working together.”
A Leader Bridging Heritage and the Future
Trained as an architect, Yesomi Umolu’s practice often centers on how design and built environments intersect with issues of identity, power, and social change. Her British-Nigerian background and global curatorial perspective are expected to infuse the Nieuwe Instituut’s programs with greater diversity, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary experimentation.
Her appointment follows a meticulous recruitment process conducted with the support of executive search firm Colourful People.
About the Nieuwe Instituut
Located in Rotterdam’s Museumpark, the Nieuwe Instituut serves as the Netherlands’ national museum and institute for architecture, design, and digital culture. Through exhibitions, research, public programs, and international collaborations, it explores how creative practices can shape more equitable and sustainable futures.
The institute also manages the National Collection for Dutch Architecture and Urban Planning—one of the largest architectural archives in the world—and the Sonneveld House Museum, a 1933 icon of Dutch functionalist architecture.
Under the joint direction of Yesomi Umolu and Aukje Bolle, the Nieuwe Instituut looks forward to deepening its role as a leading space for dialogue and experimentation at the intersection of design, technology, and society.
