CHAMPAIGN, IL (April 15, 2026) – Krannert Art Museum has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and visitors. Krannert Art Museum has been accredited since 1977.
Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals, the AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.
“The reaccreditation process prompted Krannert Art Museum’s staff to reflect productively on how the museum has evolved since 2010 to deepen its engagement with campus and community audiences,” said Peter Mortensen, Interim Director. “The museum staff are experts in their fields—and it’s rewarding to see their hard work and dedication recognized at a national level.”
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only 3% are currently accredited. Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations.
To earn accreditation, Krannert Art Museum conducted a year of self-study, and then underwent a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President and CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice.”
Photo by Evelyn C. Shapiro
