Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has appointed Dr. Hartwig Fischer as the founding director of the Museum of World Cultures, set to open in 2026 within the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park, Riyadh.
He is a distinguished scholar, art historian and museum director with more than 30 years’ experience at major cultural institutions in Europe.
In his new role, Fischer is responsible for the development and implementation of the museum’s strategic plan, overseeing its construction and operations, and curating a collection of artifacts and artworks that represent the diverse cultural heritage of humanity.
He is also tasked with building partnerships with international institutions, developing innovative exhibitions and programs, and promoting public engagement and outreach.
Before his role in Riyadh, Fischer served as director of the British Museum from 2016-2023, spearheading a comprehensive masterplan for the museum’s renewal, securing significant funding for capital projects and transforming the museum’s physical and digital presence.
He also oversaw the development of exhibitions that reached diverse audiences and fostered global networks through collection sharing, research and training programs.
Before heading the British Museum, Fischer was director general of the State Art Collections in Dresden from 2012-2016. He oversaw major renovation and reconstruction projects, secured substantial funding and collaborated internationally to expand the collections’ reach.
He also held positions at the Museum Folkwang in Essen and the Kunstmuseum Basel, demonstrating a commitment to strategic leadership and innovation.
Fischer has a long history of fostering international collaboration and partnerships. He has overseen research and heritage partnerships, innovative exhibition series on world cultures, and extensive community and outreach programs. He has expanded global connections between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, providing leadership to distinguished professionals and developing international teams.
While working with renowned museums of world cultures with vast historical collections, he has maintained his expertise in the field of modern and contemporary art, and integrated the work of living artists in these institutions, for example, by expanding the collection of modern and contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa at the British Museum.
His expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including museum management and strategic planning, capital project development and implementation, collection development and research, exhibition design and programming, global partnerships and collaboration, fundraising and philanthropy.
His academic background includes extensive studies in art history, archeology and history, pursued at universities in Bonn and Berlin, Rome and Paris.
Fischer earned his Ph.D. from Bonn University in 1994. He has published extensively on topics related to art history, museum studies and cultural heritage. He is fluent in English, German, French and Italian.
