It is with great pleasure that the Asian Art Museum announces the appointment of Jay Jie Xu as the museum’s new Director. Mr. Xu (pronounced shu) begins his position on June 15, 2008. He succeeds Emily J. Sano, who retired in January 2008 after fifteen years of service to the museum. Mr. Xu, 45, has been the Pritzker Chairman, Department of Asian and Ancient Art at The Art Institute of Chicago since 2006, after serving as Pritzker Curator of Asian Art since 2003.

The appointment of Mr. Xu coincides with the fifth anniversary (March 20) of the museum’s facility at Civic Center. As a dedicated scholar of Chinese antiquities and as a curator with international museum experience who is committed to sharing his extensive knowledge of Asian art with a world-wide audience, Mr. Xu is poised to lead the Asian Art Museum towards its next five-year anniversary and beyond. 

“I have a profound respect and appreciation for the museum’s acclaimed collection, its exhibitions, and public programs," said Mr. Xu. "I will strive to build upon the museum’s strength in showcasing the best of Asian art and culture, and to bring this outstanding institution to another level of excellence.”

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