Tone Hansen describes the assignment as "coming home" to a museum that has always been a source "of knowledge and information" during her years as museum director in Norway.
"I come from a good position in Oslo, but it was everything this assignment offers that attracted me, so it wasn't that difficult to say yes," she tells TT.
Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) justifies the choice with Tone Hansen's "new perspective on the role of museums in our time".
“No small thing”
Since January 2026, Moderna Museet, Arkdes and the Swedish National Arts Council have been part of a single large authority called Moderna Museet, and during the press conference a lot of attention was devoted to this.
"It's no small thing," says the authority's new chairman of the board, Lars Strannegård, who is also rector of the School of Economics, and he points out that, for example, the Centre Pompidou and MoMA in New York have similar organizations.
"Competence across different fields and disciplines can be mobilized, and exceptionally interesting and relevant exhibitions can thus be created," says Strannegård.
"The goal of this vision is for Moderna to be an institution so relevant that it becomes an international role model."
Believe in trust
Tone Hansen is looking forward to getting to know the three different institutions that she will be responsible for.
"There is so much potential in seeing these areas as one," she says, expressing no concern about criticism directed at the reorganization.
"If you can build an internal culture based on trust, the audience will also experience it. I believe in a larger organization that can create better and more robust conditions, but also new perspectives."
She doesn't want to reveal any personal dream exhibition.
"Luckily, the program is set for the next three years, so I have plenty of time to get to know everything. I think we should look at what kind of projects we can do together that really show what potential we have, and execute this vision."
Hansen takes over from current director Gitte Ørskou, who is leaving the position on August 31 after seven years.
Tone Hansen 2026–
Gitte Ørskou 2019–2026
Ann-Sofi Noring (acting) 2018–2019
Daniel Birnbaum 2010–2018
Lars Nittve 2001–2010
David Elliott 1996–2001
