Taking a Step-by-Step Approach to Growth

Mr. Benezra, who came to the job after serving simultaneously as deputy director and head curator of modern and contemporary art at the Art Institute of Chicago, said he learned a lot from his initiation, when he cut $2 million from the budget.

“We actually lost more money than we saved, which was a revelation to me and the board,” said Mr. Benezra, who has operated the museum in the black since 2003. “Our membership declined, our attendance declined, our philanthropy declined.”