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3d ago

SFMOMA Announces Layoffs of 29 Staff Amid Financial Struggles

The museum cites declining attendance and budget deficits as reasons for the cuts, while union representatives criticize the lack of notice and transparency.

Party guests walk through a gold bead curtain during the Art Bash fundraiser for SFMOMA in San Francisco, on April 23, 2025.  The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art laid off 29 employees on Wednesday, May 7, in a move that has sparked sharp backlash from workers and their representatives.
SFMOMA in San Francisco. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art laid off 29 employees on Wednesday, May 7, in a move that has sparked sharp backlash from workers and their representatives.
Installation view of the exhibit ‘Ruth Asawa: Retrospective’ at SFMOMA in San Francisco, April 15. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art laid off 29 employees on Wednesday, May 7, in a move that has sparked sharp backlash from workers and their representatives.
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Overview

  • SFMOMA laid off 29 employees, representing nearly 8% of its workforce, including 20 full-time and 9 part-time roles.
  • Of the affected staff, 26 were union members, prompting criticism from the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 29.
  • Museum leadership attributed the layoffs to financial challenges, including a $3.6 million deficit in fiscal year 2024 and a drop in annual attendance to 600,000 visitors.
  • Union representatives condemned the layoffs as abrupt, claiming less than a day’s notice was given and limited opportunity for negotiation.
  • Enhanced severance packages were offered to union employees, while museum leadership explores new revenue streams and operational adjustments to stabilize finances.