In his new role, Bell will assume responsibility for the ROM’s financial stewardship, operational oversight, and capital expansion portfolio, including the ongoing OpenROM work that is making modifications to the entry and atrium areas of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal portion of the building that was constructed in the early 2000s. He will collaborate with the Museum’s governance bodies and provincial partners to guide long-term institutional growth while expanding relationships with academic, cultural, and community stakeholders across the city. The mandate also includes accelerating digital initiatives aimed at modernizing the visitor experience.

“I am honoured and humbled to join the exceptional team at ROM. We need museums now, more than ever, to help adapt to our changing world and planet,” said Bell. “As Canada’s leading field research institute, and a global source for new knowledge, ROM can help answer the question of what will be our common future. I am thrilled to join this dialogue, and to be of service to the people of Ontario.”

Meanwhile, construction continues along the Bloor Street frontage of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Seen below in August, 2025, sections of the existing entrance assembly have been stripped back to expose the canted steel framing. Diagonal members are temporarily braced, with portions of the former glazing and cladding removed to accommodate the redesigned entry sequence that will introduce new steps, an accessible ramp, a sheltering canopy, and a flat floor within the entry area. Blue weatherproofing lines the open wall sections behind the structure.