Brooklyn Museum Announces
Staff and Salary Cuts

Financial Struggles and Necessary Adjustments

Despite recent successes—such as increased board membership, higher revenues, and critically acclaimed exhibitions—the museum faces mounting financial obstacles. Inflation has significantly impacted operational costs, post-pandemic attendance recovery has been slower than anticipated, and efforts to generate revenue through retail and business improvements have yet to yield major results. These factors have led to budgetary deficits, requiring difficult decisions to realign expenses with financial realities.

Staff and Leadership Pay Reductions

In an effort to address these challenges, the Brooklyn Museum will reduce its workforce by approximately 10%, affecting both union and non-union employees across the institution. Leadership has explored all possible alternatives before resorting to layoffs, but with wages comprising 70% of the museum’s operating budget, these reductions are deemed necessary. In addition to job cuts, senior leadership will take salary reductions ranging from 10-20%.

Changes to Exhibitions and Programming

To streamline costs while maintaining artistic excellence, the museum will scale back the number of exhibitions from an average of 12 per year to 9, featuring two major ticketed exhibitions alongside focused collection-based shows. In 2026, renovations will begin for the museum’s first dedicated galleries for the Arts of Africa collection, funded primarily by government support. Programming will shift to emphasize weekend events, while fragmented weeknight events with low attendance will be discontinued. First Saturdays, a beloved community series, will continue but on a reduced schedule.

Looking to the Future

While these changes are difficult, the Brooklyn Museum remains committed to its mission and community. Leadership believes these adjustments will set the institution on a sustainable path, allowing it to continue fostering artistic and cultural engagement for years to come.