BOSTON (December 10, 2025)—The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), announced today that Ethan Lasser has been appointed as Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation. In this Leadership Team role, he will oversee stewardship of the MFA’s renowned global collection, manage the development and implementation of the Museum’s exhibition program, and provide direction and guidance for all curatorial and collection activities. Lasser currently serves as the MFA’s John Moors Cabot Chair, Art of the Americas and Head of Exhibitions Strategy, and will transition into his new role on January 5, 2026.

“After a national search, I am delighted that we have been able to elevate a member of our own team into this key role. Ethan has grown into an exceptional and inspiring leader over his six years at the MFA,” said Pierre Terjanian, Ann and Graham Gund Director. “He is deeply committed to this institution and to audience engagement, and I am looking forward to all the great work we will do together as we enter this new chapter for the MFA.”

Since joining the MFA in 2019 as the John Moors Cabot Chair, Art of the Americas, Lasser has led the curatorial team responsible for the Museum’s renowned collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from across North, Central, and South America. A curator, scholar, and convener, he has contributed to major exhibitions on a range of topics, including Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina (2023), Philip Guston Now (2022), and Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor, currently on view. In recent years, Lasser and his team have undertaken a major reinstallation of the MFA’s 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries, scheduled to open in June 2026 to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary. In 2023, Lasser was also appointed as Head of Exhibitions Strategy, responsible for establishing priorities, making recommendations, and serving as the lead content strategist for MFA exhibitions.

As Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation, Lasser will oversee the MFA’s Curatorial, Provenance, Conservation, Registration and Collection Management, Collections, Design, Exhibitions, Gallery Renovations and Rotation, and Intellectual Property departments. He will play a key role in developing and implementing institutional strategies, collaborating closely with the Director and other members of Leadership Team.

“I am thrilled to join Pierre and the Leadership Team at this important moment for the MFA, and to work closely with extraordinary colleagues across the museum in stewarding our renowned global collections, and building and executing our ambitious exhibition program,” said Lasser. “I am grateful to the many friends and mentors—past and present—who have encouraged me along the way.”

Prior to the MFA, Lasser held curatorial positions at the Chipstone Foundation in Milwaukee and the Harvard Art Museums. He received his doctorate from Yale University and graduated from Williams College, where he is currently a trustee. From 2023 to 2025, Lasser served on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, a position he was appointed to by President Joe Biden.

About the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The MFA brings many worlds together through art. Showcasing masterpieces from ancient to contemporary, our renowned collection of more than half a million works tells a multifaceted story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. From Boston locals to international travelers, visitors from all over come to experience the MFA—where they reveal connections, explore differences and create a community where all belong.

Open six days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Monday, 10 am–5 pm; Wednesday, 10 am–5 pm; and Thursday–Friday, 10 am–10 pm. Admission is $30 for adults; $14 for youths ages 7–17; and free for University Members and youths ages 6 and younger. The Museum offers $5 minimum, pay-what-you-wish admission after 5 pm on the third Thursday of every month, as well as free admission for Massachusetts residents on four open houses throughout the year (Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Indigenous Peoples' Day). Plan your visit at mfa.org.