Gateway Arch National Park has again earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for museums in the United States. This accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public.
AAM accreditation recognizes a museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Established over 50 years ago, the program is the field’s primary system for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability.
Gateway Arch National Park, formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, has been accredited since 1980. Museums undergo re-accreditation at least every 10 years to maintain their status.
“Being reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums is a prestigious honor that validates the dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts of everyone involved with Gateway Arch National Park,” said David Murray, superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park. “This distinction not only reflects our commitment to maintaining world-class exhibits and collections, but it also elevates the park’s stature among museums and cultural institutions nationwide.”
Accreditation is a rigorous, year-long process that evaluates all aspects of a museum’s operations. To qualify, museums must first complete a self-study and undergo a site visit by peer reviewers. The AAM Accreditation Commission, an independent body of museum professionals, reviews these findings to determine accreditation status.
The review highlighted Gateway Arch National Park’s exemplary renovations through the CityArchRiver Project, which enhanced accessibility, preserved historic resources, boosted tourism, and showcased the strength of public-private partnerships that support park operations beyond federal resources.
In addition to preserving the Museum at Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the Park’s collections, Gateway Arch Park Foundation also co-manages a volunteer program with the park; funds education and IT positions, conservation projects on the grounds, and educational programming for under resourced communities; and hosts free community programs on the Arch grounds.
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 1,100 are accredited. Gateway Arch National Park is one of just 19 accredited museums in Missouri and one of seven national park units that have received this accreditation.
To learn more about Gateway Arch Park Foundation and the CityArchRiver Project that reimagined the Museum at the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse, visit archpark.org.
