Museum Store Association

06/02/2026

Museum stores are having a moment.

A recent article in The Guardian highlights something many of us in the museum retail community have known for years: museum stores are no longer simply the place visitors pass through on their way out—they're becoming destinations in their own right. From exhibition-inspired fashion and home décor to limited-edition collaborations and lifestyle products, museum retail is evolving alongside consumer expectations.

What trends are you seeing in museum retail at your institution?



Museum Store Sunday

Curated edits mean people are treating museums as stand-alone shopping destinations rather than simply exit points

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Happy Friday! It is almost "a wrap" in Philadelphia at the 2026 MSA FORWARD Conference & Expo. Our 71st year of the MSA annual event and time to share some images of our members, partners, and friends who gather each year to connect, learn, and do business! Thank you to our institution hosts National Museum of American Jewish History, Independence Seaport Museum, Penn Museum, and The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia! Cheers to our courageous members who faced the heat 🥵 to take part in that excursion. We have many more photos and acknowledgments to share!

05/20/2026

🎯It's the first full day at MSA FORWARD 2026 in Philadelphia, where MSA FORWARD creates opportunities to learn directly from peer professionals and organizations, offering valuable insight into what drives success in our unique industry. During a special visit to the National Museum of American Jewish History, members received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and Q&A with the team as the museum undergoes a renovation that includes its retail space. Museum Store Sunday

04/30/2026

🎯The Museum Store Association's Annual Conference & Expo - co-located with the American Alliance of Museums - is less than 3 weeks away! Join your peers in the museum and nonprofit retail industry for education, excursions, parties, chapter gatherings, and uniquely curated products from museum store vendors in the Expo Hall, all at the Pennsylvania Convention Center - Philadelphia, PA (Philly), May 19 through to May 22!🥳👏

We're working hard to finalize and deliver another inspiring MSA FORWARD experience for attendees! Enjoy some fun images from last year! If you have not registered for MSA FORWARD Philadelphia, it's not too late! >>> https://s1.goeshow.com/museumstore/forward/2026/index.cfm

04/11/2026

A big shoutout to Allport Editions for graciously donating these custom MSA note and thank-you cards! They are of such great quality and so needed. MSA is a 501(c)(3) charity, and donations like these help us accomplish our mission by keeping our admin costs down! Thank you, Allport!

If you would like to become a member of the Museum Store Association, find out more here>>>https://museumstoreassociation.org/membership/

If you can offer in-kind donations like this as a vendor or museum store, please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

02/24/2026

Thank you to MSA President Colleen Higginbotham and Executive Director Elizabeth Price, who braved the storm to stand alongside the American Alliance of Museums for Museums Advocacy Day - championing museums and the professionals who support them.

02/10/2026

⭐️ The winter market season is already behind us! It was great to meet in person at our MSA gatherings, talk shop, nosh on good food, and more. Our meetups are made possible thanks to the support of our MSA community. So, thank you to our Marvelous Market Sponsors and partners, Dallas Market Center AmericasMart Atlanta Las Vegas Market NY NOW Golden Island International, Inc. Modgy EVELYN&KATE Flensted Hanging Art Winter Design Group MuseumNerd

If you are not yet a member of the Museum Store Association, there are many benefits to your business and your professional growth listed on our membership page here>>> https://museumstoreassociation.org/membership/

01/25/2026

📢 Registration is now open for MSA FORWARD 2026 in Philadelphia, PA! This year, registration is FREE for MSA Institution Members, and we are co-located with the American Alliance of Museums! If you are a member of MSA, you can register for MSA FORWARD 2026 here >>>https://bit.ly/4bnWACJ

Why you don’t want to miss MSA FORWARD 2026:

💡 Discover fresh ideas and proven strategies for merchandising, marketing, operations, and sales.
🤝 Network like never before at exclusive events designed to spark creativity and build lasting partnerships.
🎯 Explore 220+ vendors offering mission-aligned products your customers will love.
🗣️ Be inspired by dynamic keynote speakers and expert-led breakout sessions.
🌎 Expand your reach by engaging with AAM attendees and exhibitors from across the museum world.

Not an MSA member? Check out what membership includes and how to start here>>>https://bit.ly/49DSncH

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Philadelphia, PA (Philly)

01/09/2026

📣There is still time to join your colleagues and friends at the American Alliance of Museums and (MSA) for Museums Advocacy Day!

Join us in Arlington, VA, and Washington, DC—register by January 16. Museums Advocacy Day 2026 provides a critical opportunity to make the case for museums early in what is sure to be a high-stakes year for museums and other causes. This is a unique opportunity to unite with museum colleagues and supporters from across the country as one voice to reaffirm our essential value, collective contributions, and aspirations.

Find the hotel booking information here: https://www.aam-us.org/programs/museums-advocacy-day/frequently-asked-questions/ -travel

Join us in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC—register by January 16.

https://bit.ly/4pvYVyM

Save the Date | February 24-25