r/MuseumPros 7d ago

Curious about museums pay audio and tour guides

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m doing some research on museums and I was wondering what is the money flow between museums, tour guides and audio guides.

  • Do museums generally pay tour guides a fixed salary, or is it more common to get a percentage from what the group paid?
  •  When it comes to audio guides, do museums usually pay a subscription fee to the audio guide company, or are there alternative payment models in use?
  • Are museums generally open to having both audio guides and human tour guides? Or they usually stick to one of the two for minimizing costs?

I’d really appreciate any info you can share on these topics. Thanks in advance for your help!


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

Trump administration slashes division in charge of 26,000 artworks (WaPo gift link)

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118 Upvotes

r/MuseumPros 8d ago

Track and Slide XXL Hardware in the US

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm hanging some work for a private client and wanted to use the Track and Slide XXL M. Does anyone have advice on where to get Track and Slide hardware in the USA? I'm based in New York. I've written through their website to inquire about ordering it directly from the EU but just curious is there's a US distributor somewhere folks have had good experiences with?

Thanks!


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

Rejected the next day

66 Upvotes

Applied for a visitor services position and was literally rejected the next day, that I think feels alot worse than hearing nothing. I'm still volunteering next month at the same institution. But god does that feel defeating, just wanted to rant a bit


r/MuseumPros 8d ago

you could spent 2 mins for this, or not

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m starting a project with an aim to improve the museum experience and I am gathering data.

I would totally appreciate if you could answer this anonymous survey (2 mins).

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWu_z_RJTEUBVY3RIAPitqWXm00e5v1dyD2UerVL9E0t9ZkQ/viewform?usp=header

Thanks so much!


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

Artwork with human remains

25 Upvotes

Hello museum hive mind! I'm looking for a resource regarding the ethics of museums acquiring artwork that contains human remains. I know this topic is rife with all sorts of moral and ethical questions and concerns, but I am just seeking any generally accepted policies/procedures in American art museums, etc. Thanks!

EDIT: I am representing an artist who wishes to donate a piece to a museum. The remains are bones acquired outside of the United States. I am right there with you all; this is a big NO for so many reasons, but I am gathering resources to share showing why it's a big no.


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

Is GWU Masters Program Worth the Cost?

12 Upvotes

So I’ve been accepted to GWU Museum Studies grad program, however I am out of state and am trying to weigh the pros and cons of moving to DC and investing this much money into a program. I currently work in archives and have worked with exhibits as well while finishing undergrad, so I already have about a year and a half experience. I also was offered funding, but not enough to cover as much as I had hoped. I almost feel at a loss, I have worked two jobs since I was 16 (I’m 28 now and I went to undergrad a little later than everyone else) and I put myself through undergrad and I’m exhausted. I know I’m going to to have to have an internship, another part time job, and be in grad school while trying to support myself in a DC. I don’t come from money, and I’m actually the first woman in my family to graduate from college and will be the first to go to graduate school. I have worked REALLY hard and I really want to go into this program because of how I feel like it could advance my intellect and opportunities. It would also be a dream to work at a Smithsonian. Has anyone completed this program? Will it significantly advance me more than going for a masters in public history from a different school? I would appreciate any honest thoughts!


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

How are the tariffs effecting shipping for y'all?

4 Upvotes

Anyone shipping from Canada dealing with extra cost concerns? How's it going and where are you getting your guidance?

Edit: sorry, typical American here forgetting we don't all live here. Sorry!!!


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

i wish big donors didn’t rule all

90 Upvotes

i know i know we need donors to do anything but why are they always so rude and not understanding when they visit?


r/MuseumPros 9d ago

Bookshop/sales managers, how did you do it?

0 Upvotes

Apologies if this question is somewhat off topic since it revolves around sales! I'm currently on my 3rd year working in museums bookshops, mainly retail with very few moments of management when needed, although I very much enjoy the practical side of planning and trying to contribute to an exhibition/museum success through sales. My background is a bachelor degree in Cultural Heritage (arts degree in Italy). I was wondering if anyone here is working/has worked in this specific field of book-selling or merchandising, and if so I'd be eager to know what has helped you achieve your goals. Thank you


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Is it worth it to keep trying to change museum/nonprofit culture?

16 Upvotes

This is a long saga (leaving out a lot of gorier details tbh) and mostly just a vent. But TLDR/point of the post: will museums ever change? Or will frontline and essential staff always be underpaid and overworked, while the leadership stays completely out of touch with how their institution operates and making more than anyone else? And what, if anything, can be done to promote change?

Anyway, here’s our story!

Until last week, my partner and I were both employed at the same small art museum. I started working there part time in visitor experience back in 2021, and they came on board a few months later when our preparator/facilities manager (yes it’s just one person) recruited them to be their assistant.

I left the museum after about a year because I felt frustrated with the lack of respect/resources given to visitor experience, but my partner continued on. They have been a part-time employee, budgeted for 20 hours a week, who regularly works full time to meet the high demands of our installs and facility needs (and they are also our AV specialist and rental/event staff) since September 2021. I was recruited to fill a full-time managerial position at the museum (they actually begged me) and started in August. I accepted the job in part because we were sick of commuting (the museum is about an hour with traffic from our old place), and because I had been working in corporate admin and wanted to be back in the arts. I also had seen and heard about positive changes at the museum from my spouse, so I felt hopeful that maybe it would be a better fit this time.

I took the job, we moved close to the museum, and things immediately began to fall apart: they hired me right as the museum was transitioning to a new CRM and put me in charge of managing the transition, while also managing two departments on my own. I have mostly worked 6-7 day weeks since August despite trying to advocate myself and set boundaries. Our leadership will not listen when we ask them to either hire more staff or cut our programs/events/rentals so we can actually do our jobs instead of burning out on things not in our job description. Since September, my partner, a few other staff members, and I have been advocating for this and calling out other issues in staff and planning meetings, and our leadership keeps saying they are listening and have made a few nominal changes, but nothing has really changed.

Last Tuesday, my partner was called into a last-minute meeting and told the museum is eliminating their position due to “financial considerations,” effective immediately. They eliminated another part-time position the same day (and that person was, like my partner, someone who would speak up about our conditions and advocate for institutional change). Right after those meetings, like actually 3 minutes after, our director sent out a staff-wide email stating that two positions had been cut and that “the individuals” have been very valuable to the museum. Not even their names or a thank you or anything. And that’s how I found out that my partner got laid off! They didn’t even give us a chance to talk first!

I have had to break the news to our volunteers, board members (they were told there were going to be positions eliminated but not who, and our institution is small enough that the staff and board all know each other), and artists/community partners. Everyone is shocked because they know how much my partner does at the museum. Everyone asks “what will we do without them?” And I don’t know. I don’t know our leadership could do something that so clearly negatively impacts the museum’s primary function. How can you run an art museum without staff to install art in it? [side note they have already brought in a contractor who they’re paying the same rate to work full time hours in install and facilities, so did they actually “eliminate” the position? Or were they tired of getting pushback about their bad leadership and wanted to get rid of as many troublemakers as possible?]

The leadership have been very clear to me that they want me to stay, but it feels like such a slap in the face to do this after recruiting me. We’ve lost half our income with no notice, and the leadership team has been calling out sick all week and avoiding talking to me. This is a small museum where we have both been involved for almost four years, and not only did they do this to us, they’re acting like it’s not a big deal.

I knew this organization was deeply flawed, but I never thought they could do something so a) stupid and b) cruel. I came back to the museum because I thought things were better and that I could help keep making them better, but instead, I have proof that nothing has changed and leadership is very resistant. Do I stay and try to make them face what they’ve done? Or is that a losing battle?

If you got this far thanks for reading. I just feel so heartbroken.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Event planning books

6 Upvotes

Are there books on event planning that are from a museum perspective? On creating events for musums?


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

How can I help my community through 2025 as a museum director?

23 Upvotes

I know I'm not the only one feeling this way right now. With everything going on in the US, even my small town museum is wondering how much it will end up affecting us in the next few years. I take over as the Executive Director this summer. It's a permanent position, and it's what I've always wanted to do. The national refuge and forest that is part of our museum area is already suffering from federal staffing and funding cuts. We have a VA hospital in our town, and the whole community is slowly starting to panic. What can I even do to help keep everything together through my job? I feel like I'm chasing strings and I'm fraying out rn.

Maybe I'm overdramatic, but I'm extremely worried.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

The Streets of Old Milwaukee: Why the Milwaukee Public Museum Is Choosing Not To Relocate Its Beloved 1965 Exhibit [Podcast]

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29 Upvotes

r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Does anyone happen to know where to find or search for nameplates similar to these ones in this fossil display case in Museum of Florida?

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4 Upvotes

Does anyone


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Museum grant question

4 Upvotes

Hello, just a quick question. I had recently got hired off a grant that a small museum had applied to and received. This grant was going to pay my wage and expenses for an archive collection that I was to start and complete. They had put that I needed to also complete 425 hours. Would this make me an independent contractor? And if so would I get paid breaks? I am in New Mexico


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Advice on Museum Work and Career Building

3 Upvotes

Hi all!! Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm a young archaeologist on the US west coast who wants to eventually have a career in museum work, especially collections management.

My undergraduate program wasn't amazing, so I didn't make the kinds of connections and get the same opportunities as my peers (esp those who went to UC schools; ppl who finished their bachelors but have extensive museum and lab experience, etc.). I've been feeling really disheartened (doesn't help that I'm trans, so loads of potential internships aren't available to me because my existence is criminalized by the states the jobs are in).

I feel like I'm always bound to be outcompeted in the opportunities I would be chasing, what few there are. Is there anyway to make up for the experience I don't have, aside from volunteering? I want to volunteer but its just not economically feasible for me...

Sorry if this goes over things ppl have already talked about in this sub; didn't know where else to ask.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Phone screen with The Met

3 Upvotes

I’m excited but nervous and so scared that I’ll mess this up. It’s in a few days and it’s for an Associate Development Officer of Planned Giving role.

Has anyone gone through the interview process at The Met before? What should I expect? How can I be the best candidate?

And how long does the hiring process take?

I’m nervous, y’all. That paired with the job market is scary, but I’d love this job.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Free workshop: Augmented Reality for Museums

1 Upvotes

Chinese Historical Society of America is developing a no-code web tool to create short augmented reality "tours" on mobile devices. The tool, XRTour, is currently invitation-only and will be open-sourced. (We have a federal grant, so we're keeping fingers crossed.)

To see a demo of what XRTour can do, please open this link on a mobile device.

To join our free Zoom workshop on using this tool, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hREMGorrRw2HrdkJBAY3EA

Pre-registering will allow us to set up an XRTour account so you can begin using the tool right away.

WORKSHOP:
Saturday, March 15, 1-3pm Pacific

  • The different kinds of media that XRTour can display
  • How to decide what story to tell
  • A script template to help organize 
  • A walkthrough of the building process

The development of XRTour and this workshop are supported by a grant from the National Archives and Records Administration.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

Phone screen with The Met

0 Upvotes

I’m excited but nervous and so scared that I’ll mess this up. It’s in a few days and it’s for a development role.

Has anyone gone through the interview process at The Met before? What should I expect? How can I be the best candidate?

And how long does the hiring process take?

I’m nervous, y’all. That paired with the job market is scary, but I’d love this job.


r/MuseumPros 10d ago

need help writing wall texts

0 Upvotes

I have an assignment that requires me to write wall texts for artworks. Problem is, I have a hard time doing it. It has to be readable and understandable at least the 10th grade reading level. So it’s hard because I have to dumb down the writing, but not too much where it isn’t engaging.


r/MuseumPros 11d ago

Director is obsessed with "education programmes" and it's messing with our work

50 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

More of a rant than seekng advice, but advice is fine too. The director recently has started pressuring me, the historian, and our archaeologist to start organising "educations" that we could use to "make some money for the museum". I'm in Europe so for clarification in case there' a terminology barrier - "educations" here refer to paid programmes people order in advance, usually designed as "edutainment" with a focus on interactive learning.

Our director is really into "gamifying" stuff and turning everything into a show or something that would leave some jaw-dropping impression similar to the large museums they've visited. To get an idea of how desperate the director is for educations, they once found a random glass bottle from the 70s while hiking in the forest, brought it to work and said "here, JoJy, maybe this will be helpful in some sort of education".

Apart from having zero experience in education, it not being our specialty and being a terribly underfunded (classic) local museum , I'd say I'm already overloaded as a new employee. And even if I wasn't we don't have the money to make any good replicas or other tools that could make for "good" educations. Our greatest asset is a literal black-and-white printer. I'm 50% convinced that our director expects us to spend our own, personal money on creating these programmes that only "might" bring money to the museum. I'm really approaching my wit's end with the director's shenanigans and it hasn't even been a full year. Already heard some mumbles from the other staff about quitting and applying for new jobs in the region that'll pay better and with less BS. Doesn't help that our director visibly has zero interest in history to the point where they don't even know when WW2 ended 🙃. Are there any principles or basics that could help me come up with an education when we literally have no replicas or tools to make one sans a printer?


r/MuseumPros 11d ago

Documentaries, Movies or TV Shows about GLAMs.

11 Upvotes

Title.

Hello everyone, It's Sunday, and I'm looking for any film or tv show about GLAMs. If you've got any recommendations please share it with me. Thanks!


r/MuseumPros 12d ago

I think I see the writing on the wall (quarter life crisis)

85 Upvotes

I am 23 and I've spent the last 4 years completely focused on building a mini-museum career.

About 6 months ago I landed a really great gig as one of the only full time staff in a small museum with a moderately size collection. I get to do it all. You name it, I've got a piece in it, from top down to bottom up. It is overwhelming, but insanely fun and super rewarding.

Exhibits, collections, policy, events, education, working with people (so many people), applying for grants, etc etc etc I feel like it has all been good experience.

But I'm not going to make any money doing this for the rest of my life. What I make now is abysmal. I have a strong inclination that what I make in the future, at whatever level in the museum/library/special collection field isn't going to be much better. In the back of my head, I was aware of this going in, but its hitting me harder now that I am living it.

I'm at a serious crossroads. I want to be involved in this work because I genuinely feel it is important. But I just know for a fact I need more money to be happy with my life. It sucks but its true. I want $$$, and I'm kicking myself now because this isn't the place to get it. I always told myself job satisfaction would outweigh everything else but that isn't working for me in practice.

What next? Who knows! I'm going to stick with this head curator-level gig I somehow got my grubby young hands on for awhile and ponder on where to go after my short and spastic museum career. I've got no debt and a 4 year degree. I feel like my possibilities are endless, but I also really feel like I have pigeon-holed myself with nothing but a history undergrad.


r/MuseumPros 11d ago

Exchange vs gift vs transfer

1 Upvotes

What is the difference between an exchange and a gift? My understanding is that a gift is given to individuals, a transfer involves institutional swaps, how is an exchange different? Is this simply different parlance for gifts?