Francesca Casadio Appointed Director of the Getty Conservation Institute, Bringing Global Leadership in Art, Science, and Cultural Heritage Preservation

LOS ANGELES — The J. Paul Getty Trust has announced the appointment of Francesca Casadio as the new John E. and Louise Bryson Director of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through research, education, science, and international collaboration.

Casadio, who currently serves as Vice President and Grainger Executive Director of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago, will assume her new role in early fall 2026. She succeeds a distinguished line of conservation leaders and will help guide the future of cultural heritage preservation on a global scale.

The appointment represents a significant milestone for both Getty and the broader conservation community. With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of science, art, and cultural stewardship, Casadio brings a wealth of expertise in heritage science, interdisciplinary research, and international partnerships.

A Leader in Conservation Science

Throughout her career, Casadio has established herself as one of the most respected voices in conservation and scientific research. Since joining the Art Institute of Chicago in 2003, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the museum’s conservation capabilities and advancing scientific approaches to cultural preservation.

Among her most notable achievements is the establishment of the Art Institute’s scientific research laboratory, which has become a cornerstone for innovative conservation studies. She is also leading the development of the institution’s $50 million Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, a state-of-the-art facility designed to advance preservation practices and scientific discovery.

In addition, Casadio serves as a founding member and co-director of the Northwestern University and Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts, a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges academic research with museum conservation practices.

Her appointment to Getty reflects a career dedicated to protecting artistic and cultural treasures while embracing innovation and scientific advancement.

Returning to Where Her U.S. Career Began

The move to Getty carries personal significance for Casadio. Before becoming an internationally recognized conservation leader, she began her professional journey in the United States as a graduate intern in historic building preservation at the Getty Conservation Institute in 2002.

Now, more than two decades later, she returns to lead the very institution that helped launch her career.

“It is a full-circle moment,” many in the conservation community have noted, highlighting how her professional growth mirrors the global impact and educational mission of Getty itself.

Advancing Getty’s Global Mission

As Director of the Getty Conservation Institute, Casadio will oversee strategic initiatives focused on preserving cultural heritage around the world. The Institute works across multiple disciplines, including:

  • Heritage science
  • Archaeological preservation
  • Historic architecture
  • Museum collections conservation
  • Climate resilience and heritage protection
  • Education and professional training
  • Open-access conservation resources

The Institute collaborates with organizations, governments, universities, museums, and conservation professionals worldwide to address some of the most pressing challenges facing cultural heritage today.

Reporting directly to Getty President and CEO Katherine E. Fleming, Casadio will help shape the Institute’s future direction while strengthening its role as a global leader in conservation research and practice.

Getty Leadership Welcomes Casadio

Getty President and CEO Katherine E. Fleming praised Casadio’s appointment, emphasizing her extensive international experience and collaborative approach.

“She has a vast amount of experience, including extensive international collaboration, providing a unique lens that will be invaluable as the Institute continues to shape the field of conservation,” Fleming said.

Her leadership arrives at a time when cultural institutions worldwide are facing new challenges, including climate change, technological transformation, and the growing need for equitable access to cultural heritage.

Conservation as a Public Good

For Casadio, conservation extends far beyond protecting artwork behind museum walls. She views preservation as an essential public service that connects communities with history, creativity, and shared cultural identity.

In discussing her appointment, she emphasized that conservation enables the public to experience iconic works of art and historic sites that might otherwise be lost to time.

Her vision aligns closely with Getty’s mission of making cultural heritage accessible, relevant, and meaningful for future generations.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

Casadio’s academic credentials further underscore her qualifications for the role. She earned both her PhD and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from the University of Milan in Italy. In recognition of her contributions to heritage science and conservation, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sorbonne University in Paris in 2019.

Her combination of scientific expertise, institutional leadership, and international collaboration has earned widespread respect throughout the museum and conservation sectors.

Key Highlights

  • Appointed as the new John E. and Louise Bryson Director of the Getty Conservation Institute.
  • Currently serves as Vice President and Grainger Executive Director of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago.
  • Will begin her role at Getty in Fall 2026.
  • Established the Art Institute of Chicago’s scientific research laboratory.
  • Leads development of the $50 million Grainger Center for Conservation and Science.
  • Former Getty Conservation Institute intern returning to lead the organization.
  • Holds advanced chemistry degrees from the University of Milan.
  • Awarded an honorary doctorate from Sorbonne University in Paris.

As cultural institutions continue to evolve in an increasingly interconnected world, Francesca Casadio’s appointment signals Getty’s commitment to scientific innovation, global collaboration, and the preservation of humanity’s shared cultural heritage. Her leadership promises to strengthen the Institute’s role as a driving force in conservation while ensuring that future generations can continue to experience and learn from the world’s artistic and historical treasures.

Report

Lela Christine