Plenty of questions await British Museum when it begins search for next director

The museum has made headlines recently over controversies that are damaging its global reputation. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA

When the British Museum begins its search for a new director this autumn, it may find that candidates have as many questions for the venerable institution as the interview panel puts to them.

The person appointed to succeed Hartwig Fischer, who announced last month that he would step down next year, will face immense challenges after a disastrous few months for the museum.