I recently stumbled upon an article that raised the question: “Is it ever okay for a museum to sell some of its works for financial reasons?” And the answer? Well, according to the American Alliance of Museums’ Code of Ethics, the answer is a murky yes―as long as the proceeds from the sale “are to be used consistent with the established standards of the museum’s discipline, but in no event shall they be used for anything other than acquisition or direct care of collections.” Institutions deemed to have violated AAM’s Code of Ethics risk losing accreditation. Not only that, but what message do such “sales” send to a museum’s financial donors and potential donors of artifacts, artworks, etc.? Read more