In Lean Times, New Ways to Reach Out

The downturn has hit museums hard, with plummeting endowments, dwindling donations, fewer tourists and the decline of the corporate museum party, once a steady revenue stream. Museums have been forced to freeze hiring or lay off staff members, close satellite shops and make other cutbacks.

But lean times are bringing out a pioneering spirit as museum officials strive to develop creative strategies for what is undeniably a new world.