Milwaukee Art Museum Hires Former Smithsonian Director Kim Sajet

Kim Sajet has been named the new Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, starting September 22, 2025. Sajet previously led the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery for 12 years, where she doubled attendance, raised over $85 million for operations and endowment, and oversaw major capital improvements, including the reinstallation of the America’s Presidents gallery. Her tenure at the Smithsonian ended in June after President Donald Trump announced his intention to fire her due to her public comments supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Sajet resigned to avoid making the situation about herself and expressed deep respect for the Smithsonian and its leadership. The Milwaukee Art Museum board praised her as a world-class, values-based museum leader capable of advancing the museum's vision and unlocking its full potential. Sajet expressed excitement about leading a museum with a diverse and internationally significant collection, including the Bradley Collection of 20th-century art.