Director, Hammer Museum

Philbin has overseen a $90 million renovation of the Hammer Musuem,
dramatically updating it and making its nearly hidden entrance far more
conspicuous. She became director of the Hammer in 1999 and, among
other accomplishments, oversaw the formation of the Hammer Contemporary
Collection, holding more than 2,000 artworks. Under Philbin’s
direction, the Westwood museum instituted the acclaimed Hammer
Projects, a series of more than 100 contemporary exhibitions and installations.
In 2014, Philbin eliminated admission fees. In 2020, she was one
of 276 artists, scientists and leaders in the nonprofit, public and private
sectors inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 6