Glenn D Lowry, director of the world-famous Museum of Modern Art in New York paid a visit to Modern Art Oxford on Wednesday.

Dr Lowry is visiting Oxford this week in his role as the first Humanitas Visiting Professor in museums, galleries and libraries at Oxford University.

He gave a lecture to graduate students about contemporary Middle Eastern art at Modern Art Oxford and yesterday took part in a symposium at the university’s Said Business School.

Modern Art Oxford director Michael Stanley said: “We were thrilled to welcome such a distinguished visitor. His lecture was an inspiration.”

He said the visit, and Mr Lowry’s professorship, strengthened the profile of contemporary art in Oxford.