NEW YORK—The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation has its sights set on a new director, reports the New York Sun and the New York Times.

According to the papers, the foundation is considering Richard Armstrong, the now retired director of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, to replace outgoing director Thomas Krens.

Eleanor R. Goldhar, the Guggenheim's deputy director of external affairs, confirmed that Armstrong is the lead candidate for the position and is currently negotiating with the museum. The board, she said, is set to vote on the appointment at its next meeting, on September 23.

The choice is seen as a safer, steadier one after 20 years of Krens's maverick, often controversial vision, reports the Times. Krens was often criticized for neglecting the New York museum at the expense of his international vision, for mounting exhibitions some found too populist, and for mishandling museum finances.

Armstrong led the Carnegie Museum from 1996 until this June; from 1981 to 1992 he worked at New York's Whitney Museum of American Art, helping organize several biennials and exhibitions and serving as senior instructor of the Independent Study Program.

In addition to running the New York museum, Armstrong would be responsible for branches in Berlin, Venice, Bilbao, and a new Abu Dhabi branch, expected to open in 2013.