NYC Museums Avoid Paying Fire Code Fines Through City Agency Loophole
Between 2023 and 2025, numerous fire code violation summonses were issued by the FDNY to prominent cultural institutions in New York City, such as the American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Museum of the City of New York. These fines remain unpaid because the summonses were directed to the Department of Cultural Affairs rather than the institutions themselves. This situation stems from public-private partnerships where these institutions operate on city-owned land. According to Marisa Senigo from the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, the city refrains from collecting fines from its own agencies. At least 65 summonses were issued, mainly for fire alarm violations, impacting both large and smaller museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which reported a net income exceeding $400 million in 2025, chose not to comment.
Key facts
- FDNY issued dozens of summonses for fire code violations at NYC cultural institutions from 2023 to 2025.
- Summonses were assigned to the Department of Cultural Affairs, not the institutions themselves.
- Institutions are part of public-private partnerships with the city, operating on city-owned property.
- City generally does not collect fines from its own agencies, as it would be paying itself.
- Practice contradicts the Cultural Institutions Group procedures manual, which says institutions are responsible for fines.
- Violations were mostly for failing to prevent fire alarms from going off without an emergency.
- At least 65 summonses were assigned to Cultural Affairs, many lacking signatures and dates.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art recorded a net income of over $400 million in 2025.
- Central Park Boathouse, operated by Legends Hospitality, received at least eight violations.
- Stephen Louis, law professor, said the practice raises fairness questions.
Entities
Institutions
- FDNY
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- American Museum of Natural History
- Museum of the City of New York
- Department of Cultural Affairs
- Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
- Cultural Institutions Group
- Snug Harbor
- Brooklyn Children's Museum
- Central Park Boathouse
- Legends Hospitality
- Gothamist
Locations
- New York City
- Central Park
- Staten Island
- Crown Heights