75 years after his nation bombed it, German heads British Museum

Art historian Hartwig Fischer to become first foreigner in 150 years appointed as director of revered cultural institution

On Monday, London’s British Museum will welcome its first non-British director in 150 years: German art historian Hartwig Fischer.

Fischer, 53, previously served as director of Dresden’s world-renowned State Art Collections.

He has said he was “daunted” by the appointment but is “greatly looking forward” to running “one of modern society´s key institutions, fostering knowledge, understanding, and global citizenship.”

As noted by the Daily Mail, Fischer’s appointment is also notable due to its timing: just ahead of the 75th anniversary of the last devastating attacks of the German Blitz during World War II — one of which caused heavy damage to the British Museum itself.

The British Museum (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Eric Pouhier CC BY-SA)

That attack on May 10, 1941 included almost 600 sorties, in which over 700 tons of explosives were dropped on the city.

The raid killed almost 1,500 people and damaged thousands of homes, the Houses of Parliament and the museum buildings.

Firefighters battle flames in London during the German Blitz during World War II (YouTube screenshot)

Fischer will succeed Neil MacGregor, who served in the position for the past 13 years and has been credited with greatly increasing its popularity and relevance to modern visitors. MacGregor called Fischer’s appointment “the perfect choice.”