The 2025 Annual National Snapshot, based on responses from 511 museum directors across the country, shows both attendance and financial performance trending downward for the first time since pandemic closures.
More than half of museums—55%—are currently seeing fewer visitors than in 2019, a significant setback from last year when 49% remained below pre-pandemic levels. Nearly one-third of museums report decreased attendance in 2025, specifically citing weakened travel and tourism and economic uncertainty as primary factors.
The financial picture mirrors the attendance crisis. Only 52% of museums report stronger financial performance in 2024 than before the pandemic, down from 57% the previous year.
One-third of museums have suffered the cancellation of government grants or contracts, with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts most frequently affected.
The funding crisis has proven difficult to replace through private sources. Only 8% of affected museums report that lost federal funding has been fully replaced by foundations, sponsors, or donors, while 67% report the funding has not been replaced at all.
These losses have forced painful choices. Among museums that lost federal funds, 24% cancelled programming for students, rural communities, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or veterans. Another 28% reduced programming for the general public.
Infrastructure improvements have also suffered, with 21% of all museums deferring facility or physical infrastructure improvements or construction.
Museum directors anticipate continued disruption in 2026 from shifts in philanthropy, inflation, financial and market instability, changes to travel and tourism, and further reductions or elimination of government funding.
“Even as museums struggle financially, they’re investing in the future of their communities,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “Museums are doing their part by adapting their business models, engaging with lawmakers, and continuing to serve their communities despite financial headwinds. Now we need policymakers and philanthropists to recognize that investing in museums is investing in education, economic development, and community cohesion.”
