Head of Smithsonian museums announces he will be stepping down

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Published: 2026-09-08T21:15:23.658Z • Permanent link

René Morales, the long-time Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, has announced his retirement. Morales, a renowned expert in paleontology, will be stepping down on December 31, 2023, after a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Morales's tenure was marked by numerous groundbreaking exhibitions, including the popular "Dinosaur Fossils" and "Human Origins" exhibitions. During his time at the helm, the museum saw a significant increase in attendance, with over 7 million visitors in 2022, a record high.

Under Morales's leadership, the museum also expanded its digital presence, launching a comprehensive online platform that features interactive exhibits, educational resources, and a vast collection of museum artifacts. The platform has been widely praised by scholars and the general public alike, offering a unique glimpse into the museum's vast collections. Morales's commitment to accessibility and community engagement was evident in his efforts to develop partnerships with local schools, museums, and cultural institutions, fostering a stronger connection between the Smithsonian and the nation's capital.

The museum's board of trustees, led by Chairman Lonnie Bunch, expressed their gratitude for Morales's dedication and vision, stating that his departure marks the end of an era. "René Morales has been an integral part of our team, and his tireless efforts have helped shape the Smithsonian into the world-class institution it is today," said Bunch. Morales's successor, Dr. Laura Morris, a renowned paleontologist and museum curator, is expected to build on Morales's legacy, ensuring the continued success and growth of the museum.

Morales's departure sends shockwaves throughout the museum and cultural institution community, with many experts hailing his departure as a loss for the field. The Smithsonian is a major player in the global museum landscape, with its collections and exhibitions serving as a benchmark for institutions worldwide. The impact of Morales's departure will be felt in the world of paleontology, with many scholars and researchers expressing their admiration for his work and dedication to the field.

The museum's online platform, which Morales championed, is set to continue under the leadership of Dr. Morris, ensuring that the museum's vast collections and resources remain accessible to a wider audience. The platform's success will have far-reaching implications for the museum and cultural institution community, as it sets a new standard for digital engagement and accessibility. As the museum community continues to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, Morales's departure serves as a reminder of the importance of innovative leadership and vision.

Morales's departure is part of a larger trend in the museum and cultural institution community, with many institutions facing similar challenges and opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital engagement, with many museums and cultural institutions struggling to adapt to the new reality. Morales's pioneering work in digital engagement, however, provides a valuable lesson for institutions looking to navigate this new landscape.