The Walters Art Museum has announced the appointment of Katherine Larson as its inaugural chief collections and curatorial affairs officer, alongside her role as senior curator of Ancient Art. Larson will be responsible for overseeing curatorial operations, managing collections, conservation efforts, and research initiatives at the esteemed Baltimore institution. She is set to begin her new position on March 30, where her responsibilities will include managing the exhibition schedule and spearheading fundraising efforts.
Expressing excitement about Larson's arrival, museum executive director and CEO Kate Burgin stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Katherine Larson into this role. Her profound expertise and dedication to community involvement, scholarly excellence, and collections stewardship resonate with the museum's mission to enhance access, research, and create engaging experiences for all visitors."
Prior to this role, Larson served as the manager of curatorial affairs and curator of ancient glass at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York since 2024. Her impressive background includes positions as curator of ancient glass from 2019 to 2024 and assistant curator from 2017 to 2019. She holds a PhD in ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology from the University of Minnesota and a BA in classical archaeology from Macalester College. Notably, she completed a residency at the Walters as part of her fellowship with the Center for Curatorial Leadership in 2024.
"I am thrilled to join the talented and dedicated staff of the Walters Art Museum," Larson remarked. "The museum's exceptional collection and its commitment to providing free and meaningful access to art from around the world truly inspire me. Additionally, its active engagement with the Baltimore community highlights the importance of ongoing discussions about art and culture."
Throughout her tenure at the Corning Museum, Larson has curated several notable exhibitions, including "Dig Deeper: Discovering an Ancient Glass Workshop" (2023-24) and "Fire and Vine: The Story of Glass and Wine" (2021). She also played a vital role in ensuring compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and collaborated with the Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
The Walters Art Museum boasts a remarkable collection that spans seven millennia, featuring approximately 36,000 objects from diverse cultures around the globe. Established in 1934, the museum originated from the collections of civil engineer William Thompson Walters and was later expanded by his son, Henry Walters, who served as president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
