Introduction: AD Museum's Chief Curator Carson Chan

Since January 2026, Carson Chan is the Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs of the new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki. Chan will provide a comprehensive intellectual vision for the museum and oversee the strategic planning, development, and implementation of the museum’s content-related programming, including exhibitions, collections, publications, diverse research initiatives, and audience engagement. 

Chan came to Helsinki from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City where he served as the inaugural Director of the Emilio Ambasz Institute for the Joint Study of the Built and Natural Environment, and where he was also Curator of architecture and design since 2021. Chan was also a member of the museum’s sustainability task force, which leads an institution-wide effort to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Chan is a prolific writer whose work appears in publications such as Art Papers, Frieze, Log, Texte zur Kunst, and 032c, where he previously served as Editor-at-Large. Chan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Masters in Design Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His doctoral research at Princeton University focuses on the rise of environmentalism and the architecture of postwar public aquariums in the United States.

In the English language event, Chan will give a presentation after which he will sit down for a chat with ARchinfo's Head of Communications, Miina Jutila. Archinfo organises the event together with the friends association of the museum, Damy. The event is open to all.