COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Museum of Art has chosen Laura J. Mueller to lead the downtown institution as its next executive director, the museum announced Friday. Mueller will begin on Aug. 3, 2026, concluding a seven-month national search to replace Della Watkins.
Mueller arrives with more than 20 years of museum leadership and curatorial experience, most recently serving as interim executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Art and Vladem Contemporary in Santa Fe. The board said it was drawn to her record in strategic positioning, capacity building and expanding community engagement.
What this means for Columbia residents
The appointment comes as the museum rounds out a period of renewal. The Columbia Museum of Art celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025 and completed a nearly $3 million renovation that reimagined its collection galleries. Residents, donors and arts partners can expect Missouri-born leadership focused on fundraising, partnerships and exhibitions that the board says will broaden participation.
“The CMA board of trustees is delighted to welcome Dr. Mueller to the museum,”
The comment came from Therese Griffin, president of the museum board of trustees, in the museum’s press release announcing the hire.
Mueller holds a bachelor’s degree in international economics, a master’s in arts administration, an M.B.A. and a doctorate in art history. She is internationally recognized for scholarship in Japanese art and has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led major fundraising projects and curated nationally recognized exhibitions, the release said.
- Start date: Aug. 3, 2026
- Predecessor: Della Watkins, who announced her departure in October to move closer to family
- Recent museum milestones: 75th anniversary (2025); nearly $3 million renovation of collection galleries
In the statement, Mueller said she believes museums can "inspire curiosity, foster empathy, and bring people together through shared experiences" and expressed eagerness to work with the museum’s board, staff, members, donors, artists and the broader community.
Next steps and local context
Mueller’s initial months will likely focus on meeting staff and donors, assessing exhibition schedules and supporting ongoing community programs established after the recent renovations. The museum has framed this moment as pivotal for expanding engagement; trustees said Mueller’s experience with strategic partnerships and capacity building was a decisive factor.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Executive director | Laura J. Mueller (starts Aug. 3, 2026) |
| Outgoing director | Della Watkins (left after announcing move in October) |
| Recent investment | Nearly $3 million gallery renovation |
The Columbia Museum of Art is a central cultural anchor in downtown Columbia. Residents who follow the museum’s exhibitions, educational programming or special events can expect public announcements from the museum in the coming weeks detailing Mueller’s initial initiatives and any shifts in programming or partnerships.
Board leadership called Mueller’s combination of administrative and curatorial credentials — plus her international scholarship — a strong fit for guiding the museum into its next phase.
