Overview

• The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco announced on July 18 that it would eliminate 12 nonprofit positions, representing about 5% of its staff.
• The cuts follow a March proposal to reduce 23 city-funded security roles under a mayoral directive to trim general fund spending by 15%.
• Leadership cited a city budget crisis, softened tourism and a nearly 20% drop in attendance from pre-pandemic levels despite 1.3 million visitors in 2024.
• FAMSF’s de Young Museum and Legion of Honor will continue offering free admission days and community programming despite the staff reductions.
• The museums are pursuing further cost-saving actions and exploring additional revenue streams to close funding gaps and sustain operations.