The latest annual Museums Association (MA) members survey for 2025/26 has been published, shedding light on the condition of the sector across the UK. 705 responses were recieved from people working in or with museums.

This latest survey shows that the financial pressures on museums of all types and sizes remained high in 2025/26. This has impacted public engagement and access, collections care and management, and the wellbeing of the museum workforce. According to the survey 58% of respondents say their museum, or the museum they work with, is planning cuts in services in 2025/26, compared to 61% in 2024/25 and 52% in 2023/24.

The proportion of museums reporting impacts on staffing and services was lower than in 2024/25, which the MA suggests may mean that the peak of the funding crisis might have passed for some organisations. However, the survey was completed before recent intentational events in the Middle East interrupted oil supplies.

For more details on the survey follow this link: MA Members Survey shows ongoing pressure on museum sector – Museums Association