Art Institute’s James Rondeau Focuses on Expansion and Recovery

James Rondeau, president and director of the Art Institute of Chicago, is marking a decade in his role with a focus on recovery and expansion. Despite facing challenges such as a 7% decline in attendance since the pandemic, Rondeau is optimistic about the museum’s future. His leadership has seen the endowment grow by 70% to reach $1.12 billion, while the museum acquires around 1,000 art pieces annually.

The Art Institute has not escaped the broader struggles affecting art institutions, including reduced federal funding and philanthropic support. Attendance has been particularly impacted by a decline in international visitors to the United States. However, local attendance has risen, particularly from historically underserved neighborhoods, with the museum’s free-access program attracting 300,000 visitors in 2025.

Rondeau, who previously served as a contemporary art curator, is also addressing the fallout from a personal incident in April 2025, when he was involved in a disruptive episode on a flight. He described that moment as a “very low point both personally and professionally” but expressed gratitude for the museum board’s support during his 1.5-month leave of absence. “Every challenge is an opportunity,” he noted, emphasizing a commitment to balancing work and wellness moving forward.

Plans for Expansion

As he enters his second decade at the helm, Rondeau is advocating for expansion. He highlighted that currently only 15% of the museum’s modern and contemporary collection is on display, and the renowned collection of 20th-century surrealism is “barely represented.” He believes that enhancing the museum’s facilities is essential to maintaining its competitive edge within the cultural landscape. “If we let our peers refine their facilities and we didn’t, we would fall behind,” he stated.

Rondeau’s vision for the museum includes plans for a $50 million art conservation center, projected to open in fall 2027. This initiative aims to position the museum as a leader in art preservation. He also referenced the redesign of the museum’s European design galleries, which aim to create a more contemporary visitor experience.

Despite these ambitions, some industry voices express caution regarding expansion. Debra Kerr, president and CEO of Chicago’s Intuit Art Museum, raised concerns about the financial implications of new projects in the current funding climate. “How much increase in operational costs can we withstand?” she questioned, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.

Rondeau’s Leadership Journey

Rondeau’s journey from a contemporary art curator to the museum’s director has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. His leadership style is characterized by empowerment and collaboration, as noted by Sarah Kelly Oehler, chair and curator of arts of the Americas at the Art Institute. She praised Rondeau for understanding the needs of curators and fostering a supportive environment.

While Rondeau’s tenure has been successful in many respects, it has also faced controversies, including a unionization effort that culminated in January 2022. The museum’s transition from volunteer ushers to paid positions was met with criticism, highlighting the need for improved communication with staff. Rondeau acknowledged the missteps and emphasized lessons learned, stating, “The way we communicated didn’t actually make people valued.”

Under Rondeau’s leadership, there has been a renewed focus on diverse art collections, including Indigenous art and ancient American works. This commitment is evident in the hiring of specialized curators, such as the museum’s first associate curator of Korean art.

The future of the Art Institute of Chicago appears bright under Rondeau’s guidance. With concrete plans for expansion and a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, he aims to solidify the museum’s status as one of the leading cultural institutions in the world. Reflecting on his decade-long journey, Rondeau stated, “It’s a forever learning curve… acknowledging with clarity, confidence, and humility has been really productive.”