Brooklyn Museum Implements Major Cuts Amid $10 Million Budget Deficit

In early February 2025, the Brooklyn Museum announced a series of significant operational changes to address a projected $10 million budget deficit. These measures included laying off approximately 10% of its staff, reducing the number of annual exhibitions, and suspending popular programs. The announcement has sparked protests from unionized staff and raised concerns about the museum's financial management and commitment to its workforce.

On February 7, 2025, Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak informed staff of the institution's financial challenges, citing rising operational costs, inflation, and a slow post-pandemic recovery in attendance. The museum planned to lay off 47 employees across various departments, including curators, educators, conservators, guards, and retail workers. Additionally, the number of annual exhibitions was to be reduced from 12 to 9, and the popular "First Saturdays" program was suspended until May. Senior leadership also committed to salary reductions of 10-20%.

The announcement prompted protests from unionized staff and supporters. On February 25, over 200 people, including current and former Brooklyn Museum workers and supporters, rallied outside the institution during a fundraising event to protest the layoffs. The rally was organized by District Council 37 Local 1502 and UAW Local 2110, the two unions representing workers at the Brooklyn Museum. Union representatives expressed concerns over the layoffs and alleged breaches of union contracts.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso addressed the crowd during the protest, calling on the city to cover the museum's deficit in its upcoming budget. Council Member Crystal Hudson of Brooklyn's District 35, representing the Brooklyn Museum's neighborhood of Crown Heights, was also present at the rally along with other elected officials.

The Brooklyn Museum's operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is $64 million, with salaries comprising approximately 70% of the budget. In 2023, Director Anne Pasternak's compensation stood at $1,012,633. These are the first major layoffs at the museum since 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the museum let go of close to 30 staff members.

The situation at the Brooklyn Museum reflects broader challenges faced by cultural institutions grappling with financial sustainability while maintaining their cultural programming and community engagement. The role of unions in advocating for workers' rights during financial crises and the potential role of government funding in supporting cultural institutions facing financial challenges are also highlighted by this case.

As the museum continues to navigate its financial challenges, ongoing negotiations between the museum and union representatives will be crucial in determining the future of the institution and its staff.