Museums Report Decline in Funding and Attendance for 2025

Museum Sector Faces Funding and Attendance Reductions in 2025

A report by the American Alliance of Museums details a challenging year for museums in 2025, characterized by decreased funding, reduced visitor numbers, and operational adjustments.

Federal grant cancellations contributed to budget shortfalls across the museum sector. Policies enacted by the Trump administration regarding museum programming were identified as influencing corporate philanthropic decisions. Marilyn Jackson, president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, noted that corporations and foundations exhibited increased caution in funding projects they had previously supported, attributing this shift to various executive orders.

The report indicates several operational consequences:

• Reductions in after-school programs.
• Cuts to programs designed for seniors and veterans.
• Postponement of new exhibitions.
• Delay of maintenance projects.

Visitor attendance experienced a decline, with more than half of surveyed museums reporting fewer visitors compared to 2019 levels. Jackson stated that this trend aligns with broader shifts in consumer behavior observed within the theater and movie industries, alongside a general decrease in tourism, a significant source of audience for many museums.

The projections for 2026 indicate ongoing concerns, with 53% of museum leaders citing inflation as a primary worry. Inflation impacts museum operations by increasing expenses, including staff salaries. Simultaneously, rising living costs may lead households to reduce spending on non-essential activities such as museum visits.

Museum leaders are implementing various strategies to navigate these challenges. These include enhancing food and beverage options and making museum facilities more available for public events and activities. The sector aims to reinforce the role of museums as vital contributors to local economies.