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. The survey provides a detailed look at how museums are engaging with AI technologies and 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 have no internal AI policy, strategy, or guidelines in place. This indicates that while AI adoption is widespread, formal governance structures are lagging behind the pace of technological integration.

The survey highlights that AI is being utilised across a growing range of museum activities. Specifically, 70% of museums using AI apply it in administration, 62% in communication, and 43% in research and documentation. AI is also being used in exhibition development and visitor engagement, reflecting its expanding role in museum operations.

Despite the increasing use of AI, adoption remains largely exploratory or staff-led rather than being implemented across entire institutions. Only 17% of museums report providing AI training to their staff, suggesting a significant gap in capacity building and professional development related to AI technologies.

Museums identified several key concerns associated with AI adoption. These include issues of accuracy, copyright and intellectual property, data protection, transparency, and bias. Such concerns point to the complexities museums must navigate as they integrate AI into their activities.

Respondents to the survey called for practical guidance, more training opportunities, stronger data governance, and platforms to share experiences and best practices. These needs reflect a sector seeking support as it adapts to the rapid evolution of AI technologies.

The findings from the survey are intended to inform ongoing efforts to support museums and museum professionals as they evaluate emerging technologies. According to UNESCO, experimentation with AI is advancing faster than institutional capacity and governance, and there is a need to develop the skills, policies, and ethical frameworks required for museums to make informed choices about AI in line with their cultural, educational, and social missions.