Elizabeth Hurwitz, the new Baltimore Museum of Art Board Chair, smiles as she begins her leadership role at the institution. Image: Cortesy BMA. Photo by Margarita S of Margarita Photography LLC
Elizabeth Hurwitz, the new Baltimore Museum of Art Board Chair, brings experience in arts, public health, and civic leadership to the institution.
ARTCENTRON ART NEWS DESK
BALTIMORE, MD—The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) Board of Trustees has elected Elizabeth J. Himelfarb Hurwitz as its next Board Chair. Hurwitz is a longtime arts supporter and Baltimore civic leader and is tasked with the responsibility of guiding the institution’s governing body. She succeeds James D. Thornton, who has served as Board Chair since 2022.
Elizabeth J. Himelfarb Hurwitz brings more than a decade of involvement with the Baltimore Museum of Art through volunteer service, committee leadership, and strategic planning work. Her appointment comes as the museum continues developing its long-term vision around accessibility, audience engagement, and the role of art in strengthening community connections.
A Baltimore native, Hurwitz has maintained a lifelong relationship with the museum. Her connection began during childhood visits to its galleries. Over time, it has grown into years of active service supporting the BMA’s mission and programs.
Elizabeth Hurwitz’s Leadership Vision for the Baltimore Museum of Art
Since joining the BMA Board of Trustees in 2020, Elizabeth Hurwitz has contributed to several major institutional initiatives. Most recently, she led the museum’s 2026 strategic planning process. She helped establish priorities focused on sustainable growth, broader accessibility, and deeper engagement with audiences.
Before becoming Board Chair, Hurwitz was chair of the Board’s Marketing and Audience Development Committee. Additionally, she contributed her expertise as a member of the Accessions Committee for the Arts of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific Islands (AAAPI) collections.
Her experience with museum governance and public engagement has positioned her well for this position. She will help guide the BMA through a period when cultural institutions are exploring new ways to connect with visitors and communities.
In her new role as Baltimore Museum of Art Board Chair, Hurwitz will work with all those responsible for the museum’s upkeep. They include trustees, museum leadership, staff members, supporters, and community partners to advance the institution’s mission.
“Art has the power to transform how we see ourselves, one another, and our city,” said Elizabeth J. Himelfarb Hurwitz. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees, the museum’s leadership, staff, supporters, and community partners to ensure that the BMA remains a vibrant and welcoming cultural resource for all.”
Who Is Elizabeth Hurwitz?
Elizabeth Hurwitz is a Baltimore-based interior designer, arts supporter, and community leader whose career combines creative practice, public health, and civic engagement.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University. Her professional background includes work in publishing, innovation, and public health initiatives focused on areas such as disability, HIV, and health equity.
Hurwitz’s interdisciplinary experience has influenced her approach to leadership. She brings together an understanding of creative expression, community needs, and public service through her involvement with cultural and educational organizations.
Beyond her work with the Baltimore Museum of Art, Hurwitz has supported several Baltimore institutions focused on education and civic engagement.
She currently serves as a trustee of The Bryn Mawr School, where she previously led the Committee for Community, Equity, and Inclusion. She also spent more than a decade as a trustee of Baltimore Center Stage, where she contributed to efforts involving education and family engagement.
Elizabeth Hurwitz’s Lifelong Connection to the BMA
For Hurwitz, the Baltimore Museum of Art represents a personal connection that began long before her leadership role.
As a child, she regularly visited the museum’s galleries and developed an early appreciation for its collections. Those experiences helped shape her understanding of how museums can inspire curiosity, learning, and connection across generations.
Since 2014, Hurwitz has supported the BMA through Friends of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific Islands (Friends of AAAPI). Additionally, she has been on museum committees and planning initiatives connected to the institution’s history and future.
Her journey from museum visitor to trustee and now Board Chair reflects the lasting impact cultural institutions can have on individuals and communities.
Baltimore Museum of Art Leadership Enters a New Chapter
The appointment of Elizabeth Hurwitz is timely. It comes at a time when museums nationwide are redefining their roles as cultural and civic organizations.
Today’s museums are focused not only on preserving important collections but also on expanding access. There is a deep attention to creating meaningful educational experiences and building stronger relationships with diverse audiences.
The Baltimore Museum of Art has continued to prioritize areas of public engagement. They include exhibitions, public programs, community partnerships, and initiatives designed to make art more accessible.
BMA leadership has emphasized Hurwitz’s understanding of the museum’s responsibility as both a steward of extraordinary collections and a welcoming public space.
What Elizabeth Hurwitz’s Appointment Means for the Baltimore Museum of Art
BMA Director Asma Naeem highlighted Hurwitz’s leadership qualities and her commitment to the museum’s future.
“Elizabeth approaches art with boundless curiosity and empathy,” Naeem said. “Through her leadership, she understands the BMA’s dual role as a steward of extraordinary collections and a welcoming civic space.”
As Baltimore Museum of Art Board Chair, Hurwitz will help support institutional priorities. They include governance, strategic planning, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
Her combination of museum experience, professional expertise, and civic involvement provides a foundation for the BMA’s next phase of growth.
The Future of the BMA Under New Board Leadership
Elizabeth J. Himelfarb Hurwitz begins her tenure as Board Chair during a period of change and opportunity for museums across the country.
The Baltimore Museum of Art remains one of Maryland’s leading cultural institutions. It is known for its internationally recognized collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
As the museum continues implementing its strategic vision, Hurwitz’s leadership will help immensely. It will shape conversations about accessibility, innovation, and the evolving relationship between art and community.
For visitors, artists, educators, and supporters, the appointment represents a continuation of the BMA’s commitment. More importantly, it demonstrates thoughtful leadership and meaningful public engagement.
With Elizabeth Hurwitz guiding the Board of Trustees, the Baltimore Museum of Art enters a new chapter. Focus will be on building experience, collaboration, and the enduring ability of art to bring people together.