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2026 Study of New York's Museums
Published by Empire State Development, August 2026 |
The New York Study of Public and Private Museums—the first ever comprehensive statewide study of New York's museum sector—was published in August 2026 following years of advocacy by The Museum Association of New York (MANY), museum professionals, and legislative partners. Prepared by Wilkening Consulting for Empire State Development, the Study identified nearly 1,200 chartered museums across New York. MANY was proud to announce the publication in partnership with Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D- Dutchess/Columbia). [Press Release]Museums in New York welcome more than 47 million visitors annually, employ more than 33,000 people, engage more than 50,000 volunteers, and serve nearly 3 million K–12 students through field trips each year. Some 96% of New Yorkers consider museums educational assets in their communities, and museums rank alongside public libraries as New Yorkers' most trusted public sources of information. [Read the full New York Study of Public and Private Museums] The Study documents the significant challenges museums across the state face. The data shows:
In 2022, the New York State Legislature passed the Museum Study Act, championed by Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Senator Jeremy Cooney. The 2023–24 New York State Budget subsequently included $1 million to undertake the Study. In spring 2025, as data was being collected, sudden federal funding cuts disrupted museums and cultural organizations across New York. The small, community-rooted, and already under-resourced museums the Study was designed to identify and better understand were among those most adversely impacted by those losses. Completing this work required sustained attention through a period of profound instability. The need in our communities had not diminished—only the resources available to meet it. MANY and museums statewide committed time and resources to continue providing meaningful responses to ensure wide and accurate representation. The resulting independent published report establishes an essential statewide baseline and recommends making funding more accessible, expanding facilities and preservation support, increasing access to professional development and technical assistance, and addressing the distinct needs of small and volunteer-run museums. New York's museums are among the state's greatest strengths. This Study makes their contributions visible, documents the challenges they face, and gives us a shared foundation for action. The 500-some paged published study includes an Executive Summary, as well as specific data sheets for each of New York's 10 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) regions and well a breakdowns by museum type and size: Publication is not the conclusion of this work. As the 2027 legislative session approaches, MANY is collaborating with members and partners to translate the findings into stronger public policy, more equitable investment, and practical systems of support. We will also help museums use the data in their own planning, advocacy, and conversations with elected officials, funders, trustees, and community partners. If you want to be involved, email director@nysmuseums.org. |