Guggenheim Power Struggle: Krens v Lewis

Peter Lewis’ departure from the Guggenheim makes him the loser in a struggle with director Thomas Krens. “For years the two had diverged on what the museum’s focus should be. Mr. Krens was interested in creating Guggenheim satellites around the world to build on the raging success of its showy outpost in Bilbao. Mr. Lewis felt that Mr. Krens should keep the museum’s attention on New York, getting the finances of the mother ship in order and perhaps seeking once again to open a branch elsewhere in the city. Each came to the conflict with distinct advantages…”