Overview

• Nicholas Cullinan, former National Portrait Gallery chief, is appointed as the new director of the British Museum, succeeding interim director Mark Jones.
• Cullinan's appointment comes after the resignation of previous director Hartwig Fischer, following the disclosure of over 1,800 missing artifacts in an apparent insider theft.
• The British Museum is currently involved in legal action against former curator Paul Higgs, accused of stealing nearly 2,000 items.
• Cullinan aims to lead the museum through significant architectural and intellectual transformations.
• The museum faces international scrutiny over items acquired during the British Empire, including the Parthenon Marbles, with discussions ongoing about their return or loan.