New York Museums Reopen with Financial Strain and Staff Cuts

Museums in New York are beginning to reopen following closures due to COVID-19, grappling with financial setbacks and workforce reductions. According to the American Alliance of Museums, the sector contributes $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy, suffering daily losses of $33 million during the shutdowns, with a possibility that one-third may not resume operations. The Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened on August 29, implementing limited visitor capacity, a 20% workforce cut, and salary reductions, while the Met Breuer has closed permanently. MoMA reopened on August 27 with timed entry and a 17% staff decrease, and MoMA PS1 lost 47 out of 64 employees. The Whitney reopened on September 3 with a pay-what-you-wish model, reporting $7 million in losses. The New Museum is set to open on September 15, facing $2.9 million in losses and salary cuts. The Guggenheim will reopen on October 3, anticipating a $10 million deficit, while the Brooklyn Museum reopens on September 12, having incurred $7.6 million in losses.