The San Diego Museum of Art, the region’s oldest, largest and most visited art museum, is proud to have as its new Executive Director Roxana Velásquez. An internationally celebrated art historian and writer, she is the first female ever appointed to this distinguished role at The San Diego Museum of Art.
American born and raised in Mexico, Velásquez has represented professional, civic and cultural endeavors at three major national museums in Mexico City before coming to San Diego. She has served as the director of Museo Nacional de San Carlos, Museo Nacional de Arte (Munal), and most recently, Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes, the most important museum and cultural center in Mexico. Her work and dedication elevated each institution to international recognition.
“I am thrilled to be working at the museum and sharing the treasures of our collection with the Southern California community, our international neighbors in Mexico, and our visitors from around the world,” she proudly tells GB Magazine. “I have always believed in the power of art and in its ability to create bonds, transcend borders and promote cooperation between individuals from the most distant and culturally distinct societies.”
“I am very honored to be the Executive Director of The San Diego Museum of Art, an exemplary institution due to its solid tradition, enthusiastic board of directors, the quality of the collection, experienced staff and the museum’s importance in this bi-national region.” One of her main objectives will be to communicate these strengths at the regional, national and international level and create synergies among other museums and cultural institutions from around the world.
Roxana is proud to be a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors Board of Trustees; International Council of Museums; and Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de Museos. She has been distinguished by the King of Spain with the Cross of Isabel la Católica for outstanding cultural projects of Spanish art organized in Mexico. In addition, Velásquez is the recipient of numerous awards including “best art publication” for Guía del Museo Nacional de San Carlos from the Mexican government, and “best exhibition” for Masterworks from the San Carlos Museum from the Georgia Association of Museums.
The San Diego Museum of Art and all of us here in San Diego and Tijuana are fortunate to have Roxana Velásquez represent our arts community to the world.
