In a remarkable achievement that underscores its ongoing excellence, the LSU Museum of Art has once again earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This prestigious honor represents the highest national recognition awarded to museums across the United States and signals the LSU Museum of Art’s continued leadershipin the cultural sector, as per this news release from the University.

Since 2010, the LSU Museum of Art has held accredited status, a distinction that must be reaffirmed every ten years through an extensive reaccreditation process. Accreditation is not simply a rubber stamp—it is a rigorous and comprehensive review that evaluates all aspects of a museum’s operations. From financial accountability to curatorial practices and public engagement, every facet of the institution is scrutinized by a team of museum professionals.

AAM accreditation is designed to promote professional standards, transparency, and ethical excellence. Developed over five decades ago, the program is regarded as the cornerstone of museum quality assurance and public accountability. Accreditation assures stakeholders—including museum visitors, educators, government agencies, donors, and granting organizations—that the institution operates with integrity and is committed to ongoing improvement.

Mark Tullos, Director of the LSU Museum of Art, emphasized the reflective nature of the process, explaining that reaccreditation offered a valuable opportunity for institutional growth. He noted that the museum team was especially gratified by the peer reviewers’ recognition of the museum’s distinctive strengths—particularly its deep dedication to community engagement and arts education. As Tullos explained, the LSU Museum of Art, embedded within a university setting, seeks to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and craft meaningful experiences through visual art.

The re-accreditation process begins with a thorough self-study conducted by the museum over the course of a year. This internal review is then followed by a site visit from a team of peer reviewers—professionals from other museums—who evaluate the museum’s practices in person. The final decision is made by the AAM Accreditation Commission, an independent body comprised of seasoned museum leaders.

Marilyn Jackson, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, applauded the LSU Museum of Art’s accomplishment. She described accreditation as a “monumental achievement” that demonstrates an institution’s unwavering dedication to best practices and professional excellence. Importantly, she also highlighted the program’s flexibility, making it accessible to museums of all sizes and types.

The reaccreditation comes at a significant moment in the museum’s trajectory. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the LSU Museum of Art launched and expanded several impactful initiatives. Among these was the Access for All program, made possible through a $240,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation. LSU’s museum was the only institution in Louisiana to receive this support, positioning it as a leader in inclusive programming. The museum also improved its collections storage facilities and hosted several major exhibitions, including In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940, featuring pieces from the Bank of America Collection.

These achievements reflect the museum’s growing reputation as both a scholarly resource and a vibrant cultural hub. Tullos emphasized that education is profoundly enriched through engagement with the arts, and accreditation affirms the museum’s pivotal role in fostering creativity, learning, and community.

Accreditation by the AAM is more than a ceremonial title—it’s a seal of trust and professional credibility. Museums must demonstrate a commitment to ethical operations, public service, financial stewardship, and educational outreach. The process helps ensure that museums remain responsible stewards of art and history while continually striving to meet the needs of their communities.

Currently, only a small percentage of museums in the United States are accredited—making this a significant and rare distinction. The LSU Museum of Art’s reaccreditation confirms its place among the nation’s most respected cultural institutions.

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