Montgomery has always taken pride in its rich cultural institutions. Among them, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts stands out—not only for its world-class exhibitions and educational programs, but also as a beloved space where art and community intersect.
Recently, there’s been growing public interest in changes underway at the museum. We want to be clear, transparent, and informative about what’s happening—and why.
Here are the facts:
Why are there changes happening at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts?
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is a city-owned facility, located on city-owned land, supported in part by city taxpayers.
However, for years, the museum was managed by a private nonprofit association without proper legal alignment with Alabama state law—specifically, Section 94 of the Alabama Constitution, which prohibits public entities from transferring benefits or resources to private organizations without clear public oversight.
That arrangement created legal risks and operational challenges:
- Museum employees faced confusion over job roles and reporting structures.
- Contracts were signed without city approval, creating liability issues.
- There was a lack of transparency and public accountability in major decisions.
The City has a responsibility to ensure that public assets—especially those funded by taxpayer dollars—are governed lawfully and sustainably. These changes are designed to protect the museum, preserve its future, and ensure it operates in accordance with the law and best practices for public institutions.
Is the City “taking over” the museum?
No.
The museum is, and always has been, a City of Montgomery asset. This is not a “takeover”—it’s a restoration of proper public oversight.
We are establishing a governance structure that aligns with how other major Alabama cities—like Mobile and Birmingham—successfully manage their museums. The goal is simple: ensure strong, transparent leadership that supports the museum’s mission and long-term health.
Will the museum close its doors?
Absolutely not.
The City is fully committed to keeping the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts open and thriving. It will remain a vibrant cultural center for residents and visitors of all ages.
Will the art collection be lost or removed?
No.
The City is dedicated to preserving and expanding the museum’s art collection. We deeply value the generosity of donors who have supported the museum through the Association over the years. We’re implementing a structure that still allows for art donations and rotating exhibitions—just like in museums across the country.
Even if some privately held pieces are reclaimed, it is common practice for museums to loan and acquire artwork. The museum’s collection will continue to evolve, reflecting both history and modern creativity.
What is the new governance structure being proposed?
The Montgomery City Council is reviewing an ordinance to formally re-establish a City-appointed Museum Board.
This board will be responsible for:
- Overseeing museum operations and city-employed staff.
- Leading strategic planning.
- Ensuring alignment with city policies and legal standards.
This model provides greater transparency and public accountability—something our residents deserve.
What will be the role of the Museum Association under this new model?
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association has played a historic and valuable role in supporting the museum, and that will continue.
Under the new structure, the Association will shift to a support and advisory role:
- Fundraising: Continue securing private donations to fund exhibitions, programs, and acquisitions.
- Community Engagement: Host events, build museum membership, and grow public awareness.
- Advisory Capacity: Serve on advisory committees or as non-voting members of the Museum Board to offer valuable input and expertise.
This new relationship protects the museum’s public mission while honoring the Association’s legacy.
How will this affect museum employees?
These changes will provide long-overdue clarity for museum staff.
All museum employees will become city employees, with a clear reporting line to the museum director, who in turn is accountable to the new Museum Board.
This model creates a stable, professional, and legally sound work environment—benefitting both staff and visitors.
What about the condition of the museum building, like the HVAC system?
Preserving art requires climate control—and we’re on it.
The City has already begun major repairs on the museum’s HVAC system, a critical component for protecting its collections. The contract is in motion, with work expected to be completed by winter 2025. We are also developing new protocols to better address maintenance issues before they become problems.
Who is making these decisions?
This is a collaborative effort between:
- The Office of the Mayor
- The Montgomery City Council
- The City Attorney’s Office
Together, they are working to bring the museum into compliance with state law, protect public resources, and ensure this institution thrives for generations to come.
Where can I get more information?
To learn more, please visit:
For general inquiries, you may also contact the City Clerk’s Office at (334) 625-2096 or via email at bblalock@montgomeryal.gov.
Final Word
At its heart, this is about ensuring our museum is strong, sustainable, and rooted in public trust.
By bringing the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts into compliance with the law and updating its governance, we are preserving one of our city’s most treasured institutions—and setting it up to flourish for the future.
