Director, Hammer Museum at UCLA

Philbin, who became director of the Hammer in 1999, has overseen the formation of the Hammer Contemporary Collection, which holds more than 2,000 artworks. Under Philbin’s direction, the museum instituted the acclaimed Hammer Projects, a series of more than 100 contemporary exhibitions and installations. In 2014, Philbin eliminated admission fees for the museum. Also, she has overseen an ongoing renovation and expansion at the Westwood museum. In 2020, Philbin 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: 5