The Portland Art Museum has named Michael J. Anderson as its next director. Anderson will assume the title of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Director starting October 12, 2026. This appointment follows the museum's major campus expansion completed in 2025, a project that added 100,000 square feet to the institution.
Anderson joins the museum after a twelve-year tenure at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. He served as president and CEO of the organization since 2020. During his time in Oklahoma, he increased the museum's permanent collection by more than 30 percent and managed the establishment of the OKCMOA Film Society.
At the Portland Art Museum, Anderson will oversee a site that recently integrated the Mark Rothko Pavilion into its main entrance. The pavilion connects the historic 1932 building designed by Pietro Belluschi with the Mark Building. Museum leadership indicated they sought a leader capable of utilizing the new campus infrastructure to grow public reach and program impact.
Anderson expressed interest in collaborating with the board, staff, and artists to advance the institution's role in the community. His background includes curating over sixteen exhibitions, such as his work on the 2018 human form exhibition and the 2016 WPA collection anniversary. He now steps into a central role at one of the oldest art museums in the United States.