JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dec. 18, 2024 – The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and to the museum-going public. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been accredited since 1975.
All accredited museums must undergo an extensive reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is one of only 56 museums accredited in Florida, and one of only two museums in Duval County with this prestigious distinction.
“The reaccreditation of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a testament to our longstanding commitment to excellence as an institution, and we invite the community to celebrate this important milestone with us," said Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Ph.D., George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and CEO of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. “Whether you are a lifelong art enthusiast or new to the world of museums, there’s something for everyone at the Cummer Museum, and we will continue to innovate and evolve to provide a world-class museum experience for all.”
Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to the museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.
Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice.”
For more information about upcoming exhibitions and upcoming events, please visit www.cummermuseum.org.
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About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:
For more than 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens, and education. A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historically significant gardens on a riverfront campus offers truly unique experience on the First Coast each year. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities. The Museum is committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of its exhibitions, programs, and offerings. For further information, including hours, visit www.cummermuseum.org.
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward. For more information, visit aam-us.org.