AAM survey: US museums face attendance declines and federal grant cancellations

As the US marks its 250th anniversary, museums nationwide are confronting falling attendances, precarious budgets and cancelled federal funding, a survey by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) found. The survey and reporting say the Trump administration’s executive orders and federal cuts have contributed to fear, intimidation and self‑censorship among some directors and donors.

The AAM surveyed 511 museum directors in July and August 2025 and found only 45% of museums reported attendance at or above their 2019 pre‑pandemic levels, down from 51% in 2024. About 52% of museums reported a stronger bottom line in 2024 than pre‑pandemic, down from 57% the prior year, while 26% reported a weaker bottom line versus 19% previously; projections for 2025 were described as less optimistic.

"We’re seeing declines in attendance, weaker financial performance and growing instability across the museum field," said Natanya Khashan of the AAM. The survey reported specific impacts linked to federal actions: 34% of museums suffered cancellation of government grants or contracts, 29% saw decreased attendance due to travel or economic uncertainty, 18% experienced changes to the scope of government grants or contracts, and 13% faced new legal restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion activities.

For those affected by cancelled grants the median loss was $30,000, with funds most often lost from IMLS, NEH and NEA; 35% deferred facility improvements and 28% cut public programming.

Key Topics

Culture, Aam, Trump Administration, Imls, Nea, Neh