Kirk Johnson announced today that he will step down as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History after 14 years in the role, as he prepares to join the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as its next president and CEO.
An advocate for science, nature and the power of museums to influence the future, Johnson joined the National Museum of Natural History in 2012. Prior to arriving at the Smithsonian, he served as vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
At the National Museum of Natural History, Johnson has led the efforts to leverage the museum’s collection of more than 148 million objects and specimens to expand the scientific knowledge of the natural world and its cultures and pique the curiosity of millions of visitors about their planet and their own backyards.
As director, Johnson has overseen one of the world’s preeminent centers of natural history research, whose scientists published more than 11,000 peer-reviewed papers and named over 4,000 species during his tenure. He helped lead the establishment of new research initiatives, including Our Unique Planet, Ocean DNA and the museum’s Human Dignity Program. He has strengthened partnerships with federal agencies including NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2023, Johnson led an international effort to quantify the specimens housed in 73 of the world’s largest natural history museums resulting in a global database that contains more than a billion objects.
Johnson has placed great emphasis on ensuring a welcoming and meaningful experience for the museum’s 4 million annual visitors. During his tenure, Johnson oversaw the renovation of “The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time,” the construction of the Ocean Terrace Café under the life-size model of an ancient Megalodon shark and the addition of accessible walkways leading to the museum’s National Mall entrance. In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, he presided over the installation of three larger-than-life bronze bison flanking the south entrance. The renovation of the museum’s historic auditorium is underway.
Johnson has also been a champion of communicating science to a broader audience through popular books, lectures, museum exhibitions, documentaries and collaborations with artists. He has hosted several PBS shows, including Making North America, The Great Yellowstone Thaw; Polar Extremes; Ice Age Footprints; and Walrus: Life on Thin Ice.
Ensuring the museum’s long-term financial health has been a top priority for Johnson. Since becoming director, he has raised over $300 million for the museum and grown its endowment by 450%—from $82.7 million to nearly $380 million.
“Throughout Kirk’s tenure, I have been inspired by his extraordinary passion for scientific discovery and the natural world,” said Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian. “As a scientist, geologist and gifted communicator, he has captivated audiences and visitors—from dinosaurs and fossils to the changing landscapes around us—and sparked curiosity through his enthusiasm, expertise and leadership.”
“Kirk Johnson has made an indelible mark on the National Museum of Natural History—fostering a dynamic atmosphere encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning,” said Matt Kelly, chair of the museum’s advisory board. “Working closely with our board, Kirk has been tireless, and hugely successful, in his efforts to raise the necessary resources to ensure a bright and thriving future for this incredible American institution.”
“Leading the National Museum of Natural History has been a tremendous honor and an utter delight,” Johnson said. “I have really enjoyed working with the museum’s staff and board to create a sense of awe and wonder about the science and nature of our planet. I have always loved natural history museums and there’s nothing like working here—at the nation’s museum—which has allowed me to play host to thousands of research scientists and millions of visitors. This museum is a forever place, and its future is bright.”
Johnson will depart the National Museum of Natural History at the end of the calendar year. An interim director and search process will be announced at a later date.
About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth’s unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world’s most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its website, blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.