Science Museum of Minnesota Announces Strategic Restructuring to Strengthen Future Operations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) announced a comprehensive restructuring designed to position the 120-year old institution for sustainability. The changes reflect the museum's proactive response to evolving industry conditions and its commitment to serving Minnesota for generations to come. 

Like cultural institutions nationwide, SMM has navigated significant challenges in recent years. Museum attendance across the country has declined by 6-16% compared to prior years, driven by fundamental shifts in consumer behavior following the pandemic. Preference for home-based entertainment options has increased by 60% since 2021. 

"We're not alone in facing these challenges," said Alison Brown, President and CEO, SMM. "Museums nationwide are experiencing unprecedented change, and successful institutions are those who adapt thoughtfully and decisively." 

The museum has also faced specific operational challenges, which include reduced federal grant funding, decreased state and local funding, and declining traveling exhibit sales (traditionally, a significant revenue source) as other museums face similar pressures. The museum's aging facility also requires significant infrastructure and immersive gallery investment to support operations and encourage visitation. 

As part of this restructuring, SMM will transition from a $38 million to a $31 million annual operating model, allowing the museum to operate more efficiently while maintaining its core mission of science, technology, engineering and math education. 

The restructure includes a reduction in force across the whole museum, with approximately $3.1 million in salary savings achieved through 43 full-time position eliminations (13% of the total workforce). Four divisions – Mission Advancement; Museum Experience; Science, Equity, and Education; and Museum Infrastructure – will tighten under three restructured departments. As part of the transition, the museum is working in harmony with the Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified by AFSCME-represented staff. While difficult, these changes represent a proactive “right-sizing” of operations to match current market realities. 

“It is a tremendously difficult decision to reorganize roles and to eliminate staff. Everyone is extremely talented and contributes meaningfully to our mission,” said Brown. “We chose to act decisively now rather than wait and be forced into more drastic measures later.”

The changes position SMM to capitalize on future opportunities while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Despite the restructuring, SMM will continue to deliver engaging exhibits and experiences for visitors, maintain its important research and collections work and serve Minnesota schools and communities through educational programming. 

"This is ultimately about transformation and opportunity," said Brown. "We're positioning ourselves to not just survive, but to thrive and better serve our community's evolving needs."

SMM leadership emphasized that the museum's future success depends on continued strong partnerships with the community, including visitors, members, donors and civic leaders.

"Museums are essential to our communities," said Brown. "We know that the impact of the Science Museum is vital, and we are counting on our supporters to ensure that we are around for the next 120 years.”