Orlando Museum of Art achieves reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

With only 3% of U.S. museums holding AAM accreditation, this recognition demonstrates OMA’s leadership in community impact, operational standards and diverse programming.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is proud to announce that it has received reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a prestigious distinction held by fewer than 3% of the nation’s 33,000+ museums. This reaccreditation marks a significant achievement for OMA, underscoring its commitment to excellence in museum operations and community engagement.

Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s gold standard for museum excellence. Accreditation is granted every 10 years through a rigorous process that includes a comprehensive self-study and peer review by experts in the field. Museums must meet the highest standards across several critical areas, including governance, collections management, financial stability, and educational programming. 

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, president and CEO of AAM. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice.”

In its evaluation of OMA, AAM states: "Courageous and ethical leadership, dedicated trustees, clear planning, and training in best practices have put the Orlando Museum of Art on a healthy trajectory.” AAM’s site report on OMA also praises the museum’s dedication to fostering community engagement, emphasizing its important role as both a legacy institution and a modern cultural hub.

 Installation view of Carlos Betancourt's Let Them Feel Pink, 2011-2012, at the Orlando Museum of Art, 2025. Gift of the artist and Alberto Latorre CB. ©Carlos Betancourt

“The Orlando Museum of Art is a legacy community-centered institution now energetically undertaking a promising contemporary chapter. Its leadership, planning processes, staff culture, and community engagement efforts indicate a museum with the capacity, commitment, and organizational maturity to meet challenges and to fulfill its goals. The institution is making thoughtful use of its collections, serving an increasingly diverse public, and strengthening the internal systems that support responsible stewardship and operational sustainability.”

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our staff, board, and volunteers,” said Cathryn Mattson, executive director and CEO of OMA. “Their tireless efforts ensure that OMA continues to be a place of inspiration, learning and connection, guided by the highest standards of museum management and collection care. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support that allows us to bring meaningful art and programs to Central Florida and to maintain our role as a regional leader in the cultural landscape.”

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Celebrating Diversity, Accessibility and Community Impact

OMA’s reaccreditation comes at a pivotal moment in the museum’s journey, as its recent efforts to increase accessibility and diversify its programming have led to a remarkable 52% increase in admissions from Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2025. This growth marks a significant achievement for OMA, as it has now surpassed pre-COVID attendance levels. In 2025, only 45% of museums reached or exceeded their 2019 attendance levels, according to AAM’s 2025 Annual National Snapshot of United States Museums.

By featuring exhibitions like David LaChapelle: As The World Turns, and PUSH with skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, the museum has melded art with pop culture, attracting new, diverse audiences and bridging the gap between contemporary art and popular movements. 

Additionally, ongoing exhibitions like the Echoes of the Ancient in Contemporary Art showcase the work of local artists of Hispanic descent in conversation with the museum’s Art of the Ancient Americas collection, fostering a cultural understanding and connecting the community through art and heritage.

In addition to its diverse programming, OMA’s Access for All program, made possible by the Art Bridges Foundation, offers free admission one day per month, allowing more people to experience art without barriers. Since its launch, OMA has welcomed nearly 25,000 visitors on its Access for All days and continues to see steady growth. Furthermore, partnerships like Bloomberg Connects have helped OMA create a museum without walls, where visitors can engage with its collections digitally, regardless of location or financial means.

 Installation view of Adam Fuss’s Untitled (Swan), 2000, at the Orlando Museum of Art, 2025. Gift of Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett. ©Adam Fuss

A Bright Future for OMA and Orlando

Beyond affirming OMA’s progress in audience engagement and community impact, reaccreditation also reinforces the museum’s long-term strength as a cultural institution. AAM’s 2025 Annual National Snapshot of United States Museums found that 21% of museums are deferring facility or infrastructure improvements or construction. At a time when many museums nationwide are delaying capital improvements and navigating financial pressures, OMA is moving forward with major investments in its future.

Last fiscal year (ending June 30, 2025), OMA raised nearly $6 million through a combination of funding, including two grants from Orange County ($2.97 million), an appropriation from the Florida Legislature ($2.4 million), and $225,000 from generous individual donors.

Part of this funding is directed toward critical building updates, including replacing the roof and HVAC systems, with construction already underway. These improvements will ensure OMA remains a world-class environment for both its collections and its visitors for many years.

“The investments we’re making today will shape OMA for generations to come. From infrastructure improvements to innovative new programming, we’re focused on ensuring the museum remains a dynamic and inspiring space for all,” continued Mattson. “This reaccreditation serves as both a milestone and a stepping stone as we continue to advance our mission and contribute meaningfully to our community in the years ahead.”

For more information about OMA’s exhibitions and programs, please visit www.omart.org. 

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