At the Toledo Museum of Art, we strive to create an environment where every visitor feels welcomed, respected, and valued. Over the past four years, we have made significant strides in doing so. We have set new standards for accessibility, community engagement, and staff experience, earning national recognition and, more importantly, the trust and enthusiasm of our community.  

We know we still have work to do, and we recently learned of an interaction that left guests feeling mistreated. We take such concerns seriously, and we responded with a promptly to investigation and corrective action to prevent future interactions that could cause harm. This includes addressing the issue with staff action, expanded training for our team, and a reinforcement of our commitment to the values and in the principles outlined in our Belonging Plan (see below). Every action we take is guided by our belief that art—and the spaces where it is experienced—should be available to and comfortable for anyone.

The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) honors the labor—paid and unpaid, visible and unseen—of workers who have contributed to TMA’s history.  Their skills, sacrifice, and contributions, though too often unrecognized, were crucial to the Museum’s founding and subsequent growth. The Museum also acknowledges that our nation’s economic expansion was built in part through labor performed under unjust conditions. This includes the labor of enslaved people, mostly of African descent, whose work contributed to wealth from which the Museum has benefitted. In acknowledging these truths, we reaffirm our commitment to fairness, equity, and respect and honor the dignity of all who labor, past, present, and future.

The Belonging Plan at the Toledo Museum of Art is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. This living document outlines our commitment to addressing historical exclusions and creating a welcoming environment for all staff, visitors, and volunteers. By embedding DEAI principles into every facet of our operations, we aim to become a model art museum in the United States. Our plan includes actionable strategies and measurable outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability as we work towards a more inclusive future. Join us in our journey to make belonging a central part of the museum experience.

Thank You for Joining Us

This year’s theme was ADVANCE: Forward-Thinking Strategies for Belonging in Museums: Lessons Learned & Pathways Forward. Whether you joined us in person or virtually, thank you for being part of this inspiring and impactful gathering. Your presence helped shape the conversation around what it means to truly foster belonging in museums, organizations, and communities.

Over three powerful days, we explored forward-thinking strategies, shared lessons learned, and highlighted best practices for advancing inclusion in cultural spaces. From thought-provoking keynotes to practical insights, the 2025 Belonging Symposium sparked connection, reflection, and action.

We’re deeply grateful for your engagement, your ideas, and your commitment to this work. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future

This symposium is made possible with the generous support of Lead Sponsor Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Sponsor Lehmann-Maupin, and additional support from Destination Toledo.