For Barcelona and all of Catalonia, the leadership changes at Fundación Joan Miró mean more than just a new name on the office door. This event affects the city’s cultural dynamics, its international reputation, and opportunities for new projects. The departure of Marko Daniel, who had headed the museum since 2018, ushers in a period of uncertainty and anticipation: who will become the new leader, and how will the strategy of one of Spain’s most iconic cultural centers change?
Transformations and challenges
Over eight years under Daniel’s leadership, the museum not only consolidated its position but also expanded its horizons. During this time, Fundación Joan Miró celebrated its 50th anniversary, launched large-scale exhibitions, and strengthened ties with international partners. According to El Pais, these years saw both significant challenges and notable growth for the museum. Notably, several projects elevated Catalan art to a new level of dialogue with global masters.
Among the most notable initiatives were exhibitions dedicated to Paul Klee, collaborations with museums representing Picasso and Matisse, as well as preparing an exhibition on Miró’s influence on American art. These projects not only attracted public attention but also reinforced the museum’s status as a center of attraction for researchers and enthusiasts of contemporary art.
International ties and new horizons
In recent years, the Fundación Joan Miró has actively expanded its international connections. New partnership agreements have been signed, and joint projects launched with institutions in China and Brazil. Thanks to these efforts, the museum has gained greater visibility on the global stage, while its collection and educational programs have received additional recognition.
Another significant achievement is that the museum has managed to strengthen its internal structure. According to representatives of the Patronato, Daniel leaves behind not only an expanded network of contacts but also a more resilient management model. This is especially relevant amid the changes taking place in Spain’s cultural sector in recent years.
Search for a successor and expectations
The Patronato of the foundation is now launching the search process for a new director general. In the coming weeks, a pool of candidates will be selected—those able to continue the work already begun and offer a fresh perspective on the museum’s development. Succession and new ideas have become key issues for the future of the Fundación Joan Miró.
A change in leadership at major cultural institutions always sparks interest and debate. For example, Spain recently discussed the resignation of the head of ICAVI in the Canary Islands in connection with a high-profile case that also affected public trust in the institution — more details can be found in the article on the consequences of the high-profile resignation at ICAVI.
Context and trends
As reported by El Pais, Marco Daniel came to Barcelona from London, where he was in charge of public programs at Tate Modern and Tate Britain. His experience brought new approaches to managing and developing the museum. During his time at Fundación Joan Miró, he not only strengthened the institution’s international presence, but also helped establish partnerships with leading museums worldwide.
In recent years, Spain has seen an increasing number of leadership changes in major cultural and public organizations. Such events are often accompanied by discussions about the future direction, expectations for change, and an assessment of the achievements of predecessors. In 2025, for instance, leadership transitions at several museums in Madrid and Valencia also sparked debates about the role of culture in society and how new leaders might shape the sector’s development.
Overall, such news becomes an opportunity to rethink strategies and seek new solutions. For Barcelona and all of Catalonia, Marco Daniel’s departure marks not just the end of one chapter, but also a chance for Fundación Joan Miró to reach a new level, maintaining respect for the past while embracing change.
