We champion equitable and impactful museums
by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
The American Alliance of Museums is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos.
The Impact of Museums
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726,000
American jobs are supported by the museum field
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$50 Billion
is contributed to the U.S. economy each year by museums
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35,000
museums are in all communities across the U.S., with 20% in rural areas
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96%
of Americans want legislators to maintain or increase federal funding for museums
Highlights
TrendsWatch: Navigating a Volatile Future
This year the report explores volatility—strategic foresight parlance for the speed of change. That speed has been increasing exponentially in recent decades.
New Resource: Annual Report Template
AAM Member Benefit
Crafting an annual report is a journey of reflection and aspiration. We’ve developed a template that encapsulates the essence of what an annual report can embody. It’s a starting point, a canvas awaiting your unique story.
Save the Date
The Future of Museums Summit will be back in 2024! Mark your calendars for October 29-30.
New Issue of Museum Magazine Out Now
AAM Member Benefit
The 2024 Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Baltimore is May 16-19! The May/June issue brings you an in-depth look into many of the deep insights, ideas, and exploration that will be at the Annual Meeting. Preview the issue for insights on personal, organizational, and societal wellbeing that are at the crux of the 2024 annual meeting theme, Thriving Museums, Healthy Communities. Members now have access to the digital copy. Not a member? Join today or purchase a subscription to Museum.
Popular Resources
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The Best Museum Cafés and Restaurants, According to Museum People
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Chatting About Museums with ChatGPT
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The Art of Restitution at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
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Tips for Creating Accessible Museums: Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning
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3 Trauma-Informed Practices for Museums to Follow
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Racism, Unrest, and the Role of the Museum Field
Featured Contributor
Ann Fortescue
International Museum of Art & Science
McAllen, TX
Blog: Supporting the Mental Health of Museum Staff
Tipsheet: Supporting the Mental Health of Museum Staff (members-only resource)
An Example of Strategic Foresight in Museum Planning
Excellence On A Small Scale (members-only article)
Contributors are AAM volunteers who share their time and wisdom to support our field’s collective thought leadership. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
2024 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo
Baltimore, MD
May 16 – 19, 2024
The AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo is the largest convening of the museum field. Dive into the theme of Thriving Museums, Healthy Communities with thousands of your museum peers in Baltimore.
Learn more about 2024 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo
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May
9
Safe Zone for the Museum Field
May 9, 2024
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May
16
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May
20
We’re in the business of forever, in perpetuity, but that doesn’t mean museums will stay the same. AAM provides us with a lens on the change, allowing us to be more sensitive, to anticipate, and to be more effective in all we do.
Doug Jones, Director, Florida Museum of Natural History