The Israel Museum in Jerusalem has named Eran Neuman as its new director. Neuman will succeed outgoing director James Snyder, who is stepping down after 20 years at the helm of the institution.

Neuman, who currently serves as the director of the David Azrieli School of Architecture at Tel Aviv University, will take up the post on February 19.

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Snyder will continue his ties with the museum in a newly created role of international president where he will further develop the museum’s network and contacts to institutions and collectors.

Neuman, who also founded the Azrieli Architectural Archive at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and is a co-founder of the global research initiative Open Source Architecture, was selected unanimously by the board of directors following a nine-month review process.

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“Eran has the right mix of leadership experience, academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and civic values needed to guide the Israel Museum into the future,” the museum’s chairman Isaac Molho said in a statement. “His accomplishments stand as a demonstration of the kind of vision and vigor that will foster the continuing growth and success of the Israel Museum.”

“Eran is someone who knows how to build institutional resources, create collaborative initiatives, and bring new ideas to life,” said Snyder, who spearheaded the museum’s $100-million renewal and expansion, and is leaving the institution with an endowment that has increased fivefold under his leadership. “He is both an innovator and a scholar,” he added.

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“I am honored to be joining the Israel Museum at such an important moment in its trajectory,” stated Neuman. “I look forward to working with the outstanding team at the Museum and with its leadership to build upon the incredible accomplishments of my predecessor, James Snyder.”