IN MEMORIAM. TERENCE RILEY

Riley received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1978, and his masters in architecture and planning from Columbia University, where he served as Director of the Columbia Architecture Galleries in 1990 and 1991. After that, he was appointed as Director of Architecture and Design at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, where he was welcomed by Agnes Gund (then Director of the Museum) with the following statement: "Terence Riley has impressed the Trustees and members of the Committee on Architecture and Design with his imagination and his thorough understanding of important issues in the fields of architecture and design. We are pleased to have someone of Terry's outstanding talent to extend this Department's distinguished and innovative record."

Amongst his many other achievements, as museum director at PAMM from 2006–2009, he oversaw the Herzog & de Meuron design and construction process of the museum, which reopened in Maurice A. Ferré Park to critical acclaim in 2013. Riley also oversaw the presentation of major exhibitions at the museum including Andy Warhol: Moving Pictures; Power of Ten: Gifts in Honor of MAM’s Tenth Anniversary; Guillermo Kuitca: Everything; Wifredo Lam in North America; and more.

 “For generations to come, visitors and the local community will experience the power of Terry’s creativity, philosophies, and dedication, which laid the foundation for the museum we know and love today.” stated PAMM after Riley’s passing.

In honor of Terence, PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans and PAMM Director of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator Rene Morales reflect on Terry’s impact and influence over the years:

“Growing up in New York I had known of Terry and certainly his work as a curator at MoMA. But, we got to spend considerable time together in February of 2009, when my exhibition NeoHooDoo came to the Miami Art Museum. It was amazing to watch his warm welcoming ambassadorial presence at the door to the museum most of the evening. A generous mind always in consideration of art and its optimal presentation.” — Franklin Sirmans.

 “Terry’s contribution to Miami’s cultural development has been profound. He took the helm of our institution at a critical juncture, just as our dreams of creating a new facility first began taking shape. He was instrumental in the selection of Herzog & de Meuron as the project’s architects, a fateful decision that was based on his deep knowledge of modern and contemporary architecture and his clear understanding that the project called for a forward-thinking design that would draw from and respond to the unique context that this museum was created to serve. His imprint can be seen all over PAMM’s building—in its down-to-earth form and materials, its dynamic use of space, and its concern for ecological sustainability. We would not be the same institution today had it not been for him. Terry was a kind and generous mentor with a sharp intellect and a gift for storytelling. Notably, after his tenure at the museum, he stayed in Miami, where he would continue to play a major role in stimulating the cultural flourishing of the community he loved so dearly. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.” — Rene Morales.

Following his tenure at PAMM, Terence focused on the highly respected architecture firm, Keenan/Riley Architects, which he founded alongside John Keenan. Known for its designs for art museums, galleries, artists and collectors, Keenan/Riley Architects carried out major projects including the first edition of UNTITLED, ART fair in Miami Beach, the Sarasota Art Museum, and the transformation of Miami’s Design District.