The Brooklyn Museum Secures Funding to Prevent Layoffs
The Brooklyn Museum recently faced the threat of laying off over a dozen workers due to a growing deficit. However, thanks to $2.5 million in new funds from the City Council, the institution will be able to maintain its current staffing levels. This decision was made as part of the 2026 Fiscal Year budget, which was unanimously passed on June 30.
City Council spokesperson Rendy Desamours emphasized the importance of cultural institutions in New York City, stating that they provide unparalleled access to history, entertainment, arts, and culture for residents of all ages. The Council allocated over $70 million to sustain these organizations, including the Brooklyn Museum.
The museum’s initial plan to cut around 47 full- and part-time workers, more than 10% of its staff, was met with immediate backlash from its unions and community supporters. Despite laying off five non-unionized staff members, the unions representing the museum’s employees, DC 37 Local 1502 and UAW Local 2110, rallied outside the institution and urged city leaders to intervene.
After offering voluntary buyouts to unionized workers, which 27 people accepted, the museum paused further layoffs. With the additional funding from the City Council, the institution can now prevent any additional staff cuts. The allocated funds will help the museum maintain its current staffing levels, develop a philanthropic pipeline, and create a sustainable plan for the future.
While the news of the funding was welcomed by staff and union leaders, Director Anne Pasternak cautioned that the museum will need to exercise fiscal discipline in the coming year. The museum’s financial challenges were attributed to rising expenses and inflation outpacing government contributions.
Union leaders criticized the museum’s senior officials for mismanagement and pushed back against balancing the deficit on the backs of workers. Their sustained campaign and advocacy efforts helped secure the necessary funds to avoid further staff cuts, unlike other city institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum, which announced non-negotiable layoffs.
Although the funding will preserve existing jobs at the Brooklyn Museum, it will not result in rehiring the workers who were laid off or accepted voluntary buyouts. While the news brings relief to current staff, there is a bittersweet feeling for those who lost their jobs during the initial turmoil.
Overall, the Brooklyn Museum’s successful funding allocation showcases the importance of collective efforts in preserving jobs and supporting the institution’s vital work.
