UNESCO and ICOM Release Global Survey on AI Use in Museums

On September 17, 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 worldwide are engaging with AI technologies and the challenges they face in doing so.

According to the survey, 57% of responding museums are already using AI in some capacity. This indicates that more than half of the institutions surveyed have begun to integrate AI into their operations. However, the survey also reveals that 55% of museums do not have any internal AI policy, strategy, or guidelines in place.

AI is being used across a growing range of museum activities. The survey found that 70% of museums using AI apply it in administration, 62% in communication, and 43% in research and documentation. AI is also being utilized in exhibition development and visitor engagement, showing its versatility across different museum functions.

Despite the increasing use of AI, its adoption remains largely exploratory or is driven by individual staff members rather than being implemented at the institutional level. Only 17% of museums report providing AI training to their staff, highlighting a significant gap in capacity building and professional development.

Museums have identified several main concerns regarding the use of AI. These include issues related to accuracy, copyright and intellectual property, data protection, transparency, and bias. Such concerns reflect the complexities and risks associated with integrating AI into museum practices.

Respondents to the survey expressed a need for practical guidance, more training opportunities, stronger data governance, and platforms to share experiences and good practices. These requests underscore the importance of supporting museums as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI technologies.

The findings from the survey are intended to inform efforts to support museums and museum professionals as they evaluate emerging technologies in line with their ethical responsibilities and missions to serve society. UNESCO has stated its commitment to helping museums develop the necessary skills, policies, and ethical frameworks to make informed decisions about the use of AI.