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Lonnie G. Bunch III has announced he will step away from the Smithsonian at year’s end, ending a nearly four-decade run that reshaped the Institution’s museums and public mission. His decision comes as the Smithsonian faces scrutiny from political leaders and prepares for a leadership transition that will set the tone for its next chapter.
Why Bunch chose to retire now
At 73, Bunch told NPR he felt it was the right time to step back. After 38 years in museums, he said he wants to write, reflect and spend more time with family.
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He framed the move as personal rather than reactive to controversy. Still, he made clear he values the Smithsonian’s autonomy. He stressed the Institution must remain true to scholarship and accurate storytelling.
Major achievements that define his tenure
Bunch rose from curator-level roles to become the Smithsonian’s 14th secretary. He left a distinct mark through institution-building and fundraising.
- Founding the National Museum of African American History and Culture: Bunch led the museum from concept to the completed building on the National Mall. The museum opened in 2016.
- Advancing new museums: He pushed planning for an American Women’s History Museum and a National Museum of the American Latino.
- Fundraising and partnerships: Under his leadership, the Smithsonian pursued private and public support to sustain growth and programming.
- Scholarship-led exhibits: He emphasized rigorous research as the foundation for displays that explore America’s full story.
Political friction and the Smithsonian’s independence
The Smithsonian has been targeted by members of the Trump administration, which ordered a review of several museums and later accused one museum of biased activism.
Bunch pushed back internally, reminding staff that the Institution’s work leans on scholarship and aims to represent the nation’s complexity. He emphasized that the Smithsonian both celebrates the country and explores its tensions.
How external pressure shaped discussions
Federal critiques prompted public debate about museum missions and narratives. Bunch defended curatorial choices, saying staff pursue accuracy rather than partisan aims.
What leadership change means for the Institution
The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents has not named an acting secretary. They have begun a national search for a successor.
The coming process will decide who steers dozens of museums, research centers, libraries and the National Zoo. The choice will affect fundraising, collections policy and public programming.
Key issues the next leader will face
- Maintaining scholarly independence amid political scrutiny.
- Continuing major capital projects and new museum plans.
- Balancing visitor engagement with rigorous historical interpretation.
- Sustaining and growing financial support.
Bunch’s personal reflections and future plans
He described a wish to slow down after a long career and to enjoy family life, including spending time with grandchildren.
Bunch also signaled he plans to keep writing and thinking about history and museums. He expressed confidence in Smithsonian staff and in the Institution’s capacity to move forward.
Legacy in context: what he changed for museums
Observers note that Bunch expanded the Smithsonian’s narrative scope and helped deliver high-profile projects on time and on budget.
His appointment as secretary in 2019 was notable. He was the first historian and the first Black person to lead the Institution. That milestone itself reshaped expectations about who can lead America’s major cultural institutions.
How colleagues remember him
- As a fundraiser who opened doors to donors.
- As a leader who combined scholarship with public programs.
- As an organizer who managed complex museum projects.
What to watch next
Expect the Board of Regents to outline a search process and a timeline in coming weeks. Candidates likely will be drawn from museums, academia and philanthropy.
The debate over how museums present history will remain part of the selection conversation. Whoever succeeds Bunch will inherit both institutional momentum and political scrutiny.
