Purpose

Museums are expected to have a formally stated and approved mission that states what the museum does, for whom, and why. A museum’s mission statement is the primary benchmark against which to evaluate the museum’s performance. It defines the museum’s unique identity and purpose, and provides a distinct focus for the institution. A mission statement articulates the museum’s understanding of its role and responsibility to the public and its collections, and reflects the environment in which it exists.

A Mission Statement is a Core Document and supports the Mission and Planning Core Standards.

Required Elements:

• Asserts the museum’s public service role
• States why the museum exists and who benefits as a result of its efforts
• Bears date approved by the governing authority

Resources

• National Standards and Best Practices for U.S. Museums (free PDF for all museum members)
• Standards Regarding Institutional Mission Statements
• Mastering Your Museum’s Core Documents Toolkit (available for purchase)
• Mission Activity Guide
• Museum Mission Statements
• Required Elements of Education-Focused Mission Statement (recorded webinar)