Chicago Museum Director James Rondeau has taken a voluntary leave after an incident on board a flight to Germany in April. According to reports, police were called after Rondeau allegedly stripped off his clothes due to excessive drinking and medication use.
The Art Institute of Chicago has confirmed the report and launched an independent investigation into the matter. The museum is taking the allegations seriously and has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion in its collection, with Rondeau having championed integrating works by women and artists of color.
Rondeau was appointed as director in 2016 and has been credited with increasing the museum’s contemporary art offerings. His total compensation exceeds $1 million, making him one of the highest-paid museum directors in the country. The incident has raised questions about Rondeau’s judgment and leadership.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/03/arts/design/rondeau-chicago-art-museum-director-investigation.html