Matthew Teitelbaum, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO
Matthew Teitelbaum was born in Toronto in 1956, the son of Ethel Teitelbaum and the late painter Mashel Teitelbaum. He holds an honours bachelor of arts in Canadian history from Carleton University, a master of philosophy in modern European painting and sculpture from the Courtauld Institute of Art, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s University. He has taught at Harvard and the University of Western Ontario, and has lectured across North America. His past positions include: curator, The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; curator, Mendel Art Gallery, Saskatoon; and curator, Contemporary Art, London Regional Art Gallery.
Mr. Teitelbaum joined the Art Gallery of Ontario in 1993 as chief curator and was appointed director in 1998. During his tenure, the AGO’s permanent collection has grown and its research capabilities have been strengthened. Since 1993, the AGO has acquired nearly 20,000 works, including paintings by Cézanne and van Gogh, sculpture by Bernini, and works by 20th-century photographers Josef Sudek, Man Ray and Alfred Eisenstaedt.
Under his leadership, the AGO has become the central repository of works by such contemporary artists as Betty Goodwin, Paterson Ewen and Greg Curnoe, reinforcing the AGO’s position as a passionate advocate for Canadian art.
In 1996 Mr. Teitelbaum spearheaded a graduate research partnership between the AGO and Queen’s University, the first of its kind in Canada. This multi-year program has led to a number of other firsts in publications and mentoring programs. In 2001, he created the first permanent archival position in a Canadian art museum, positioning the Gallery as a leader in research and study.
Matthew Teitelbaum’s vision for the Art Gallery of Ontario is “to make the AGO the imaginative centre of our city and province, reflecting our diverse and dynamic setting. We will enhance our international profile as a leading cultural destination and innovative partner in the celebration of art, forging a new model for art museums.”
The Transformation AGO expansion project supports the vision statement and builds on the generous gift of the late Ken Thomson’s private art collection, the commitment of other donors, the vital support of the provincial and federal governments and an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.
In 2006, Mr. Teitelbaum was bestowed the honour of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government for his ongoing commitment and contributions to the arts.
Mr. Teitelbaum is a past president of the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD).
Mr. Teitelbaum lives in Toronto with his wife, Susan Cohen, and two sons.
