The Art of Internal Communication; How the Met has Managed

Its brand is so strong it can be conveyed with just one portion of one word in its name: The Met.

COVID-19 and a rapid succession of political, economic and racial crises presented an unprecedented challenge to an unrivaled American cultural institution.  One of its most valuable assets was particularly under threat: its people.

With more than 1,600 employees, the museum has some of the top talent in the art world.  One of the questions that loomed large for The Met, and all museums, was how to protect staff from financial duress–with their galleries closed for many months.

The team also had to try and fulfill its mission through digital channels. Much easier said than done at a venue that depends on engaging directly with works of art and hosting more than 25,000 in-person visitors daily. And, prior to COVID-19, The Met never held a virtual staff meeting.