Ringling Museum Director Wetenhall: A Decade of Success

John Wetenhall, the director of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art who is credited with leading the museum to new heights during the past decade, has decided to step down to pursue other opportunities.

“During the past eight years, it has been a privilege to lead the Ringling Museum through a remarkable transformation during which the museum doubled in size and re-established its rightful place in the national and international museum world,” Wetenhall said. “This is a credit to a wonderful staff, a remarkable board, The Florida State University and a supportive community. Having achieved so much together, it is now time for me to move on to pursue other challenges.”

Sally McRorie, dean of The Florida State University College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance, which has oversight of the Ringling Museum, said the university treasures the Ringling Museum campus and assures that the Ringling’s economic and operational viability remains a top priority.

Marshall Rousseau, a member of the Ringling’s board of directors and former executive director of the Salvador Dali Museum, has been named interim director.

“Mr. Rousseau is a valued member of the cultural community throughout Florida and beyond,” McRorie said. “We have the utmost confidence in his abilities to lead the Ringling during this transition, and we are grateful for his willingness to serve.”

Rousseau served as director of the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., for 11 years until his retirement in 2002 and has served on the boards of the Florida Orchestra, Florida Arts Council, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and Pinellas Association for Retarded Children. He currently teaches museum studies and serves as director of community collaboration in the arts at Eckerd College.

Wetenhall came to the Ringling from the Cheekwood Museum of Art in Nashville, Tenn., in 2001, just one year after the Florida Legislature paired the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art with The Florida State University, making it the largest museum/university complex in the nation.

An accomplished museum director and art historian, Wetenhall oversaw the Ringling during an incredible period of growth. Under his leadership, the Ringling:

• Established a $55 million endowment.
• Restored existing buildings and added four new buildings on the estate -- the Tibbals Learning Center; the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, housing the Historic Asolo Theater; the Education/Conservation Building; and The Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing.
• Completed a comprehensive, six-year, $15 million restoration of John and Mable Ringling’s mansion, the Ca d’Zan.
• Grew its collection with gifts such as a combined endowment, building and collection gift from noted Asian art collector and philanthropist Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt, which substantially bolstered the Ringling Museum’s Asian art initiative.
• Received capital gifts and grants totaling $150 million.
• Earned 16 Davis Productivity Awards for efficient management with a combined savings of $3.25 million.

In addition, Wetenhall represented the museum nationally as a board member of the American Association of Museums and served as the AAM’s 2009 National Program Chair. He also served as chairman of the college and university committee of the Association of Art Museum Directors. He serves on the board of the U.S. National Committee of the International Council of Museums, an association of museum professionals.