Presented at the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026 in Riyadh, the survey gathered responses from more than 400 museums across 90 countries. The findings shows that the sector is actively experimenting with AI, while still developing the policies, skills and governance structures needed to support its responsible use.
AI use is becoming widespread
According to the survey, 57% of responding museums are already using AI, most commonly in administration, communication, research and documentation. Museums also reported using AI for exhibition development, collections work and visitor engagement.
However, adoption remains largely exploratory. The survey found that AI use is often driven by individual staff members or specific projects rather than being embedded across institutions.
Governance and training have not kept pace
One of the report's most significant findings is the gap between AI adoption and institutional preparedness.
- 55% of museums do not have an internal AI policy, strategy or set of guidelines
- Only 17% provide AI training for staff
- Many respondents reported a need for practical guidance, technical training and support on data governance and intellectual property issues
The survey also found that awareness of existing international frameworks and ethical guidance remains uneven across the sector.
Human expertise remains central
Across both the quantitative and qualitative findings, museums consistently described AI as a tool to support rather than replace professional expertise. Respondents identified promising applications in areas such as translation, text drafting, accessibility, collection documentation, research assistance and administrative tasks. At the same time, concerns were raised around accuracy, copyright, intellectual property, data protection, bias, transparency and trust.
Particularly for public-facing content, museums stressed the importance of maintaining human oversight, professional accountability and expert verification.
Uneven capacity across the sector
The report also highlights disparities between institutions. Museums with larger budgets were significantly more likely to report AI use, staff training, governance frameworks and dedicated resources. Smaller museums frequently cited financial constraints, limited digital infrastructure and insufficient staff capacity as barriers to implementation.
The authors conclude that future support should focus not only on encouraging AI adoption, but also on helping museums make informed decisions about when, where and how AI can best support their institutional missions.
NEMO's work on AI in museums
The NEMO Working Group Digital Transformation will soon publish a report of case studies from across Europe, offering a snapshot of how museums are using AI in 2026. The report explores key challenges and considerations for museums, including AI governance and compliance, the role of human oversight in AI-generated content, and how institutions can introduce AI in an ethical and responsible way.
Looking ahead to early 2027, NEMO will publish a second report bringing together expert perspectives investigating responsible integration of AI into museum practice. The publication will examine how AI is reshaping museum work, leadership and organisational culture, and will offer insights into responsible governance, trustworthy AI practices and strategic readiness for the years ahead.
NEMO recently gathered 320 participants from 40 countries at the NEMO European Museum Conference “Human after all – Museums in the wake of AI” in Vilnius, Lithuania, to explore how AI is reshaping trust, democratic participation, museum work, leadership and public engagement. Discussions ranged from AI-generated realities and critical AI literacy to cybersecurity, organisational transformation and the future of museum practice.
- Check out the recordings of selected sessions
Another outcome from the conference is a statement by the NEMO Executive Board on the role of museums and their needs in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. AI is developing rapidly and provoking a wide range of reactions across the museum sector, from anxiety and concern to curiosity, excitement and a desire to explore its possibilities. To help guide the path forward, the statement:
- Encourages the sector to develop clear policies, guidelines and a shared understanding of the ethical use of AI.
- Urges policy makers to recognise museums as essential actors in European AI policy and as key partners in building AI literacy, fostering critical thinking and strengthening social trust.
- Highlights the growing risks posed by cyberattacks, disinformation and the manipulation of digital heritage, and calls for greater awareness of museums' role in societal resilience. As society’s most trusted institutions, museums are great assets but at the same time targets.
