Transition in Leadership: Chief Curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas Departs from Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is experiencing a change in leadership as Chief Curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas departs from her role this week. The museum, set to open on September 22, 2026, expressed gratitude for Rivas' contributions over the past five years. Rivas' departure follows the resignation of former museum director Sandra Jackson-Dumont, who left her position nine months ago due to a restructuring of organizational roles within the museum.
The departure of Rivas marks a significant shift in the museum's leadership team, as the institution had previously made headlines for appointing a diverse group of women to key positions. With Rivas no longer in her role, only two women from the initial appointments remain in leadership positions at the museum. The museum had previously emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
Rivas, known for her ties to the Los Angeles arts community, has a background in curatorial work at various institutions in the city, including the Vincent Price Art Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her departure from the Lucas Museum comes at a time of transition for the institution, which has seen changes in its leadership structure and staffing in recent months.
As the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art prepares for its opening in 2026, the departure of Chief Curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas marks a significant change in the museum's leadership team. The museum expressed gratitude for Rivas' contributions and wished her well in her future endeavors. The departure follows a series of changes in leadership and staffing at the museum, signaling a period of transition for the institution.