Boucher Appointed Director of Art Museum

Bruce Boucher became director of the University of Virginia Art Museum March 1st.

Mr. Boucher, formerly curator of European sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, was introduced to the University community in the museum on January 29, 2009.

"Bruce Boucher is a distinguished scholar and museum professional who brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the world stage to U.Va.," said Elizabeth Hutton Turner, the University's vice provost for the arts, to whom he will report.

"Moreover, his proven abilities as an administrator, curator and scholar will guide our plans for expansion in the arts and our collections as he advances the mission of the museum and the University to engage the public with the experience of great art through innovative, in-depth programs. We are most fortunate that such a seasoned professional has agreed to lead our museum and join in the arts at our University. Great things are coming!"

Mr. Boucher is an expert on the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, whose work has had profound influence on the architecture of the Western world. Thomas Jefferson studied Palladio's work in preparation for his design of U.Va.'s Academical Village. (Here, he talks about his affinity with both Palladio and Jefferson.)

"I look forward to joining the University of Virginia both because of its great reputation and because of the opportunities that its art museum offers," Mr. Boucher said. "The museum is an important part of the Jeffersonian ideals of this university, and it will be an honor to work with the museum's excellent staff in determining its future path."