The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is hosting its Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 20 - 23 May, bringing together museum professionals from around the world.
The Annual Meeting provides a platform to exchange ideas, ignite new perspectives, and honour museums' influence in all communities. The event features hundreds of sessions, interactive workshops in Philadelphia museums, and the MuseumExpo, which presents over 350 exhibitors offering tools and services tailored for museums.
AAM will also host its annual awards ceremony, which includes the Distinguished Service Awards, celebrating exceptional contributions to the museum community. The awardees will be announced on 7 May.
Keynote on museums and civic life
The conference will begin with a keynote by Philadelphia civic and business leader Charisse R. Lillie, who will discuss the role of museums in enhancing civic life during times of polarisation, economic uncertainty, and shifting public trust.
After her speech, Lillie will moderate a panel with Thom Collins (The Barnes Foundation), Ashley Jordan (African American Museum in Philadelphia), and William Harris (Space Center Houston). Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also expected to give remarks.
This year, AAM will introduce MuseumFest, a free event on 23 May that celebrates Philadelphia’s cultural scene.
Located in the Historic District, it will showcase pop-up experiences and special programs across partner museums such as the National Constitution Center, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Carpenters’ Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Philadelphia's chief cultural officer, Val Gay, will deliver remarks at 1 pm at the National Constitution Center. Lead support for MuseumFest: Historic District Philly is provided by the William Penn Foundation.
Support for the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo is provided by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, The Franklin Institute, Constellation Culinary Group, William Penn Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Art Museum, David Berg Foundation, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Levy Restaurants, and Neubauer Family Foundation, among others.
For more information and to register, please click here.
Earlier this year, the American Alliance of Museums ran its annual Museums Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, calling for federal funding, tax policies, and legislation that benefit museums and cultural institutions in the United States.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
