James Rondeau is the president and CEO of the Art Institute of Chicago, a position he has held since 2016. Under his leadership, the museum has put more emphasis on art from ancient cultures, such as the Mediterranean, India, and Japan. He has also increased the museum's collection of contemporary art and has been involved in several high-profile exhibitions, including a solo show featuring Remedios Varo.
One of Rondeau's greatest achievements is the acquisition of 200 paintings, 50 sculptures, and nearly 2,000 drawings from Chicago collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz in early 2025. This gift provides an ideal complement to the Art Institute's existing collection of French art from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Rondeau has also overseen several renovations and expansions at the museum, including a redesign of the Michigan Avenue lobby and a $50 million art conservation center that is set to open in fall 2027. The center will be one of the largest and most advanced in the United States.
Under Rondeau's leadership, the Art Institute has also become more inclusive and relevant to the community. He has emphasized the importance of showcasing the work of local artists, including Joseph E. Yoakum and Christina Ramberg, and has worked to make the museum more accessible to a wider range of audiences.
Overall, James Rondeau is widely respected for his leadership style and his commitment to building a world-class art museum that is relevant to the community it serves.
One of Rondeau's greatest achievements is the acquisition of 200 paintings, 50 sculptures, and nearly 2,000 drawings from Chicago collectors Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz in early 2025. This gift provides an ideal complement to the Art Institute's existing collection of French art from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Rondeau has also overseen several renovations and expansions at the museum, including a redesign of the Michigan Avenue lobby and a $50 million art conservation center that is set to open in fall 2027. The center will be one of the largest and most advanced in the United States.
Under Rondeau's leadership, the Art Institute has also become more inclusive and relevant to the community. He has emphasized the importance of showcasing the work of local artists, including Joseph E. Yoakum and Christina Ramberg, and has worked to make the museum more accessible to a wider range of audiences.
Overall, James Rondeau is widely respected for his leadership style and his commitment to building a world-class art museum that is relevant to the community it serves.
! He's really pushing the boundaries by incorporating more ancient cultures into their collection, which I think will help attract a broader audience. And can we talk about what an amazing gift those paintings, sculptures, and drawings are? The Horvitzes are basically giving the museum a whole new era to work with 
. The art conservation center is also super exciting - it's going to be like having our very own in-house tech lab for all things artwork! And Rondeau's commitment to local artists is so refreshing, finally getting some Chicago talent up on those walls 
, james rondeau's gift to the art institute is massive! 200 paintings, 50 sculptures, and nearly 2k drawings? mind blown! 
! The Art Institute is really stepping up its game with all these new acquisitions and renovations 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see more ancient cultures and contemporary art in one place? And I love that he's making sure the museum is inclusive and accessible to everyone - it's all about community engagement, you know? 
. Overall, Rondeau's leadership is exactly what the Art Institute needed - he's got vision and style, and I'm super stoked to see what the future holds 
. Plus, the new art conservation center sounds like a game-changer - $50 million is no joke 
. It just goes to show that Rondeau really cares about the museum being more than just a pretty face, he wants to make sure it's accessible and inclusive for everyone. That's something to get excited about! 
And can we talk about the conservation center he's building? $50 million? That's insane 
Plus, Rondeau's all about showcasing local artists which is so cool 
can't wait to see more of their work on display 
.
I gotta say, Jim Rondeau's been on fire since he took the reins at the Art Institute of Chicago back in 2016. That solo show for Remedios Varo? Genius move 
