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
Fall 2026 issue of Exhibition Journal, a member benefit
There’s little doubt that our chronically online age is filled with noise, misinformation, and even lies. Visitors arrive at museums with less energy to spare. In “Cutting through the Noise,” the Fall 2026 issue of Exhibition, practitioners from across the US and abroad share how they are adapting by creating environments with thoughtful design, sensory awareness, and exhibitions that invite reflection, connection, and joy. Not a member? Join today.
New Resource: Collections Management Form Templates
AAM Member Benefit
How well-documented are your museum’s collections? With our comprehensive bundle of 11 museum collections management forms, ensure efficient record-keeping. Download and tailor templates for acquisitions, accessions, cataloging, condition and damage reporting, deaccessioning, and loans.
September/October issue of Museum Magazine – The Culture of Welcome
AAM Member Benefit
This issue explores how museums can create more welcoming, accessible, and engaging visitor experiences by treating hospitality, neurodiversity, security, and frontline service as core strategy. It highlights practical examples including Cleveland’s visitor-centered renovation, Jewish museums’ digital innovation, the Chrysler’s gallery-host model, and Griffin Museum’s all-ages escape-room program. Not a member? Join today or purchase a subscription to Museum.
Featured Resources
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Communication, Collaboration, Connects: The Free App that Deepens the Museum Experience
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Art Museum Director Survey 2025
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Five Ways Museums Can Bring Collections Into the Light
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Sample Policy for Preparing for and Responding to ICE Enforcement Actions in Museums
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Year-round Advocacy
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Entering the Vault: Making Collections Storage Visible
Featured Contributor
Blog: Guiding Light: How Values Exercises Can Help You Present Challenging Content
Blog: B.U.I.L.D.-ing Empathy: A Framework for Reinvigorating Your Workplace
Contributors are AAM volunteers who share their time and wisdom to support our field’s collective thought leadership. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
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Nov
2
From Informational Interview to Real Connection
November 2, 2026
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Nov
4
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Nov
5
TrendsWatching: To Live or Die in AI Webinar
November 5, 2026
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