Museums benefit from both the status and the process of accreditation. Different benefits emerge from each step of the review cycle and continue to unfold over the long-term. Each museum will experience or capitalize on a different mix of benefits based on its needs at any given time. Over the life of the program, participants have consistently reported the following:

Credibility and Accountability

• National recognition of the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service
• A positive public image and validation of the museum’s work and accomplishments
• Increased credibility with funding agencies and donors
• Stakeholders see your museum is fulfilling its public trust obligations

Clearer Sense of Purpose

• A clearer sense of purpose and understanding of the museum’s strengths, goals, priorities, and mission
• An opportunity for your staff and board to be thoughtful about their practice

Leverage and Support

• A valuable tool in lobbying local and state governments
• Improved relationships with other museums resulting in more loans and traveling exhibitions
• Maintaining accreditation is a leveraging tool to attract support for capital improvements

Sustainability and a Stronger Institution

• Fosters sustained organizational development and improvement
• The governing authority is better educated about museum standards
• Increased level of professionalism
• Viewed as a lower risk by the fine arts insurance industry