Helen Hartstein appointed manager of Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Helen Hartstein has been appointed as the new manager of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (Ramm) in Exeter.  

She succeeds the museum’s previous manager Camilla Hampshire, who led the museum for 22 years before stepping down in 2023. 

Prior to her appointment as manager, Hartstein was a co-leader of the museum.

She first joined Ramm in 2018 as head of audience development. Since then, she has helped to shape the museum's strategic direction, guiding its business planning, and leading programmes to grow, diversify, and deepen audience engagement. She has also played a key role in developing the institution's creative vision.

As manager, she will be responsible for shaping the museum’s long term direction, responsible for organisational strategy, business and financial planning and the development of its ambitious programme.  

Describing the role on LinkedIn, she said: “I build strong, productive partnerships with funders, cultural bodies, artists, and local stakeholders. I am deeply committed to inclusive practice, increasing access for underrepresented communities and championing exhibitions, events, and learning experiences that spark curiosity, connection, and creative expression.”  

Hartstein is a member of the National Museum Directors' Council and an alumna of the Oxford Cultural Leaders Programme.  

Before joining Ramm, she held senior marketing and communications roles across diverse sectors, from multi-billion dollar global IT companies to running her own business in Spain. 

She later served as head of marketing at the Landmark Trust, a building conservation charity, and as head of communications and marketing for an NHS Trust in Devon.  

“This breadth of experience underpins my approach to cultural leadership, bringing commercial insight, audience focus, and strategic clarity to the museum sector,” she said.  

Commenting on her new role, Hartstein said: “I'm thrilled to announce that I have been appointed museum manager at Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery.  
 
“Ramm has been at the heart of Exeter and Devon’s cultural life for over 150 years enriching people’s lives, forging the bonds that create community and creating a sense of belonging through shared experience and understanding.  
 
“I strongly believe that museums can change lives. I see every day how museums like Ramm can help us connect with each other, understand where we’ve come from, find our place in the world and imagine our future. 
 
“I am honoured to be leading the museum into the next chapter of its remarkable history.” 

A statement from the museum said: “Ramm, an award-winning museum and Exeter City Council’s flagship cultural service, continues to build on its reputation for outstanding exhibitions, collections care, community engagement, and inspirational learning programmes.”