Josh Basseches departs as director, ROM confronts challenges

As Josh Basseches prepares to step down from his position as director of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), he reflects on a decade filled with both challenges and triumphs. The museum, renowned for its diverse collections and innovative exhibitions, is currently at a crossroads, facing significant financial and operational questions as it looks to the future.

Leadership Transition at the Royal Ontario Museum

Josh Basseches, who has led the ROM for the past ten years, will officially depart on December 31. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to revitalizing the museum and addressing the consequences of previous renovations that did not meet public expectations. One of his notable achievements has been the reimagining of the dinosaur gallery, which recently reopened with enhanced features.

The excitement surrounding the reopening reflects Basseches' vision for a more accessible and engaging museum. Under his leadership, the ROM initiated the OpenROM project, a comprehensive renovation plan estimated at $130 million, aimed at transforming the visitor experience. This project will not only redesign the entrance on Bloor Street but also introduce new spaces for performances and social gatherings.

Redefining Accessibility and Engagement

Basseches emphasizes that the core objective of the OpenROM initiative is to create a space where visitors feel a sense of belonging. He believes that improving access and affordability is essential in fostering community engagement. The project aims to provide free access to several galleries, including those showcasing First Nations, Chinese, and Korean artifacts.

• Enhanced accessibility for diverse communities
• New performance spaces to host cultural events
• Free entry to select galleries
• Encouragement of local and international partnerships

Financial Challenges and Strategic Recovery

Despite the progressive developments, Basseches leaves the museum amidst unresolved financial challenges. The ROM is still burdened with approximately $18.5 million in debt from the controversial Crystal expansion completed in 2007. Although the museum has shown signs of recovery post-pandemic, it continues to grapple with an accumulated operating deficit of $45.5 million.

The pandemic significantly impacted museums across Canada, with the ROM facing substantial attendance declines. Basseches notes that while many museums have only reached about 95% of their pre-pandemic attendance levels, the ROM's recovery has been slower. The museum's attendance for 2024-25 is projected at 1.1 million, compared to a peak of 1.35 million in 2016.

Adapting to Changing Cultural Consumption

In the wake of COVID-19, cultural consumption has shifted dramatically. Many visitors have grown accustomed to at-home entertainment options like streaming services. Basseches acknowledges this shift and states the museum's goal is to foster meaningful attendance rather than merely striving to reach pre-pandemic numbers.

• Focus on enhancing visitor experience
• Innovative programming that resonates with current cultural trends
• Efforts to increase community engagement through local partnerships

The Role of Touring Exhibitions

To navigate financial constraints, Basseches has embraced commercially viable touring exhibitions. Recent shows, like "Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature" and "Earth: An Immersive Journey," have attracted visitors by bridging popular culture with educational content. While these exhibitions draw crowds, they also spark discussions about the museum's mission to educate about history and culture.

Despite the reliance on commercial exhibitions, Basseches aims for the ROM to remain a space for serious cultural discourse. He highlights the importance of exhibitions that challenge perceptions and stimulate critical thinking, such as "Auschwitz: Not long ago, not far away," which successfully aligned with the museum’s mission of understanding history to shape a better future.

Inclusive Representation in Museum Programming

With a focus on inclusivity, Basseches recognizes the necessity of representing diverse perspectives within the museum's programming. He stresses the importance of understanding the colonial history of the institution and its implications for various communities. This commitment is evident in the recent updates to the First Nations gallery, which aimed to reflect contemporary Indigenous narratives.

The museum’s upcoming phases of the OpenROM project will include new galleries dedicated to Sikh culture and expanded displays of Judaica. However, the absence of galleries focused on Japan and Islam, along with the temporary closures of others, highlights ongoing challenges in curating relevant content that resonates with today's society.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for the ROM

As Basseches concludes his time at the ROM, the museum prepares for the appointment of a new director who will guide it through these evolving challenges. The incoming leadership will be tasked with ensuring that the ROM adapts to changing cultural dynamics while continuing to foster a welcoming environment for all visitors.

• Strategic appointment of a new director in the coming year
• Focus on curatorial innovation and community engagement
• Continued exploration of underrepresented narratives

In a world where museums must increasingly adapt to survive, the ROM stands at a pivotal moment. The decisions made in the next few years will determine its trajectory and ensure it meets the expectations of a diverse and evolving audience. As Basseches himself transitions into new opportunities in Canada, the legacy of his leadership will undoubtedly influence the future of this cultural institution.