Strategic Plan

The Rubin’s strategic plan comes at an important time for the Museum, as it was published shortly after our transition to a global museum without a centralized physical space. 

This new model, built on partnerships and collaboration, enables the Rubin to operate locally, nationally, and internationally—connecting new communities and partners to our mission. The next five years will be guided by the road map chartered in this 2026–2030 strategic plan. 

Learn more about the Rubin’s key priorities below or in the full 2026–2030 strategic plan.

Read the full strategic plan

Serve and engage New York City, the United States, and places around the world with Himalayan art and its insights. 

Objectives 

• Increase recognition of the Rubin as the leading global organization for learning about Himalayan art. 

• Develop projects in collaboration with partners throughout the Himalayas, Inner Asian regions, and diaspora communities. 

• Expand the Rubin’s digital ecosystem and associated resources to serve as an online global hub and connector for people interested in Himalayan art.

Share the Rubin’s collection and expertise through long-term partnerships and collaborative exhibitions. 

Objectives 

• Partner with 12+ museums by 2030, sharing over 200 works from the Rubin’s collection. 

• Establish dynamic partnerships to present Himalayan art to new audiences.

Advance scholarship, accessibility, and understanding of Himalayan art through research, documentation, and publication. 

Objectives 

• Complete a collection assessment, including provenance research, by 2030, with 80% of the collection accessible online.

• Support at least five substantial scholar-led projects annually.  

• Regularly commission and publish new scholarly content, providing opportunities for emerging experts. 

Commit to enabling new artistic projects and amplifying the work of artists through annual grants, prizes, and commissions. 

Objectives 

• Support the creation of 100+ artistic projects by 2030. 

• Annually award the Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize, increasing global visibility for Himalayan artists. 

• Document and share art-making techniques reflected in the Rubin’s collection. 

Continue to evolve how the Rubin connects with audiences through the development of traveling exhibitions, K–12 programs, digital offerings, and projects for educators. 

Objectives 

• Present the traveling exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art at 12+ additional venues, with its associated digital platform regarded as the go-to resource for academics and general audiences. 

• Present the Mandala Lab installation or resources annually, expanding its K–12 curriculum and online reach. 

• Develop and execute additional traveling exhibitions with partner institutions. 

• Sustain a flexible, audience-driven digital strategy that integrates all Rubin initiatives. 

Ensure the Rubin’s operations, workforce, and resources align with our evolving decentralized model. 

Objectives 

• Create a dynamic financial model to preserve the sustaining fund and maintain institutional flexibility.  

• Broaden public support and deepen philanthropic relationships through adaptable fundraising strategies.  

• Improve internal alignment, collaboration, and innovation.  

• Augment workforce capacity to work on a global scale, and increase representation of trustees, staff, and collaborators from Himalayan regions and diaspora communities.

The Rubin Museum is making more of an impact than ever before, as we promote the understanding and appreciation of Himalayan art and cultures to communities across the United States and around the world.  

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on our generous and thoughtful supporters and need your help to carry out the ambitious priorities outlined in our strategic plan so we can continue offering inspiring and meaningful experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.  

Learn how you can support our work.

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