Foreword

The inaugural cycle of the Art Museum Director Survey launched in the winter of 2020, immediately before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented moment of uncertainty for museums worldwide. Given its timing, the survey provided a window into how museum leaders approached their roles right before they had to shut their doors. The second cycle of the survey, fielded in 2022, provided insight on how the pandemic, as well as the national racial reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd, had changed their priorities.

When Ithaka S+R surveyed museum leaders for a third time, in the spring and summer of 2025, museums were once again grappling with uncertainty. The disruption of the pandemic had faded, but the funding models many museums rely on were at risk. Given the recent uncertainty around federal grant support for the arts, and shifting priorities, it is not surprising that museum directors named financial resources as their most significant restraint, or that they are exploring alternative funding opportunities. In this report, the authors were able to track in real time how directors were re-shaping their strategies to meet the moment and sustain their institutions moving forward.

Despite new challenges, art museums remain steadfast in their commitment to the public good.

Despite new challenges, art museums remain steadfast in their commitment to the public good. Nearly all respondents highlighted the importance of serving as trusted sources of information, improving audience outreach, as well as continuing to strive to provide their staff with comparable pay and livable wages.

All three cycles of this study have come at a pivotal moment for art museums. And despite the daunting challenges museum leaders continue to face, the findings emphasize that they are finding ways to adapt while maintaining their commitment to their institutional mission. We thank all of the respondents for their participation and look forward to the opportunities that this research can provide.

We are grateful to the Kress and Mellon Foundations for their continued support of this valuable research.