Dr Hartwig Fischer, Art, Debrett's 500 2016, People of Influence

Dr Hartwig Fischer

Director, British Museum

German national Hartwig Fischer will succeed Neil Macgregor in the spring of 2016 when he takes over the role of director at the second most visited museum in the world. He joins the British Museum from his role as director-general of the Dresden State Art Collections, which are regarded as some of the most important in the world. Despite a determinedly low profile, Hartwig is one of the most respected individuals in his field, endorsed by his predecessor as ‘the perfect choice’. He speaks four languages and began his career as a curator at Basel’s Kunstmuseum, moving on to be director at the Folkwang Museum in Essen.