Baltimore City Wire

The Walters Art Museum has announced the passing of Dr. Julia Alexander, its former director. Dr. Alexander died of a heart attack on May 4, 2025, at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

Dr. Alexander was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1967 and grew up in Claremont, California. She pursued her education at Wellesley College, graduating magna cum laude in art history and French in 1989. She furthered her studies with a master's degree in French literature from New York University in 1992 and completed her PhD in art history at Yale University in 1999.

Her career included significant roles such as curator of paintings and sculpture at the Yale Center for British Art and later associate director for exhibitions and publications. In 2008, she joined the San Diego Museum of Art as deputy director for curatorial affairs before becoming the first female director of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore in 2013. In 2024, she became President of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

Julia is survived by her two children, Jack and Beatrice (Bede), mother Catharine Alexander, former husband Dr. John Marciari, and sister Kitty Alexander Shirley.

Kate Burgin, Andrea B. and John H. Laporte Director and CEO expressed deep sadness over Julia's passing: "One of her most important contributions to the Walters was shifting the museum’s focus toward creating greater and more meaningful engagement with our local community—a visionary decision to center our work on Baltimore and Maryland."

Peter Bain, President of the Board of Trustees also shared his condolences: "For more than a decade, Julia led the museum with unwavering courage... Her leadership not only strengthened the museum’s foundation but also deepened its relevance."

The family requests privacy during this time; details about services will be announced later.