UNESCO and ICOM Reveal Global Survey on AI Use in Museums

On 17 September 2026, the findings of the first UNESCO–ICOM Global Survey on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Museums were presented at the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI) in Riyadh. This survey provides a snapshot of how museums worldwide are engaging with AI technologies, as well as the challenges they face in governance and capacity.

According to the survey, 57% of responding museums are already using AI in some capacity. However, 55% of these institutions report having no internal AI policy, strategy, or guidelines. This highlights a significant gap between the adoption of AI technologies and the establishment of formal governance structures to manage their use.

The survey details the range of museum activities where AI is being applied. Administration is the most common area, with 70% of museums using AI tools for administrative purposes. Communication follows at 62%, while 43% of museums use AI for research and documentation. AI is also being used in exhibition development and visitor engagement, reflecting its growing presence across multiple facets of museum operations.

Despite the increasing use of AI, the adoption remains largely exploratory or led by individual staff members rather than being implemented across entire institutions. Only 17% of museums report providing AI training to their staff. This indicates a lack of widespread capacity building and suggests that many museums may not be fully prepared to manage the complexities of AI integration.

Museums participating in the survey identified several key concerns related to AI adoption. These include issues of accuracy, copyright and intellectual property, data protection, transparency, and bias. Such concerns underline the need for robust governance and ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI in the sector.

Respondents to the survey called for practical guidance and training to help address these challenges. They also highlighted the need for stronger data governance and more opportunities to share experiences and best practices with peers. These requests point to a desire for collective learning and support as museums navigate the evolving landscape of AI technologies.

The findings from the survey are intended to inform ongoing efforts to support museums and museum professionals as they evaluate and implement emerging technologies. According to UNESCO, the sector is at an important stage of AI adoption, with experimentation advancing faster than institutional capacity and governance. UNESCO has committed to continuing its support for museums in developing the skills, policies, and ethical frameworks needed to make informed decisions about the use of AI in fulfilling their cultural, educational, and social missions.