American museum buildings in a worrying state

A March 2025 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals that 77% of American museums—roughly 12,300 institutions—believe their building or HVAC systems pose a risk to their collections. 73% report health or safety hazards for visitors and staff. The report highlights widespread deferred maintenance: 85% of museums have a maintenance backlog, with 49% estimating it exceeds $100,000. Many buildings are aging—53% were built before 1923—and 59% face accessibility issues. Storage spaces are inadequate in 74% of museums, with some works kept in bathrooms or flood-prone basements. Additionally, 41% of museums are in areas hit by natural disasters between 2020 and 2024, and 41% lack a disaster preparedness plan with trained staff.

The report matters because it underscores a systemic infrastructure crisis threatening the preservation of America's cultural heritage. The total cost of needed repairs remains unknown due to a lack of centralized data and resources for comprehensive assessments. Only 33% of museums conducted a full building assessment between 2014 and 2024. The findings also raise urgent concerns about public safety, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the ability of museums to protect collections from climate change and extreme weather. Without significant investment, many institutions risk irreversible damage to artworks and historic buildings, particularly in vulnerable areas like Puerto Rico.