Miguel Zugaza

He graduated in Art History from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1987 and he pursued further studies at the same institution.

His professional career began in 1986 when he assumed the role of director at the cultural services company Ikeder (Bilbao), a position he held until 1994 when he joined the Deputy Directorship of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where he remained until 1996.

Between 1996 and 2002, he held the role of director at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, overseeing a substantial modernisation effort in both its activities and infrastructure. In January 2002, he was named the director of the Museo Nacional del Prado, a position he held until March 2017, at which point he was appointed to once again lead the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Alongside his work in the museum field, he also takes part in various award juries and scientific committees. Additionally, his career has been marked by numerous accolades. On April 26, 2005, he was bestowed with the decoration of merit from the Italian Republic, with the rank of Cavaliere Ufficiale. On June 13, 2006, at the recommendation of the President of the French Republic, he was appointed as a knight in the National Order of Merit. On April 19, 2011, he was designated as the consul of Bilbao, following a proposal from the city’s Chamber of Commerce. On April 26, 2012, the Community of Madrid granted him the Grand Cross of the Order of the Second of May. In April 2013, he was inducted as a member of Jakiunde, the Basque Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. On September 10, 2013, the President of the Russian Federation conferred upon him the state decoration, the Order of Friendship. On June 7, 2016, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria presented him with the Cross of Honor 1st Class of Sciences and Arts. In April 2017, he was honored with the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise, and in October of the same year, the Hispanic Society of America awarded him the Sorolla Medal.