GAMBIER, Ohio — The Gund at Kenyon College is proud to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to museums in the United States. This milestone affirms The Gund’s commitment to excellence in stewardship, education, civic engagement and the advancement of curatorial practice.

Accreditation signifies that The Gund meets the rigorous standards and best practices set by the museum field and remains a place of trust, learning and access for its diverse audiences. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 1,100 — roughly 3% — are currently accredited.

“For a museum situated on a college campus, this recognition is not only an institutional achievement — it’s a community one,” said Daisy Desrosiers, director and chief curator of The Gund. “Accreditation strengthens our mission. It reinforces the need to ask: How do we continue to do this well, with integrity and sustainability? This achievement deepens our commitment to students and artists, to shared learning, and practices rooted in care, collaboration and generosity.”

This recognition arrives at a moment of impressive growth for The Gund, as its collection, exhibitions and impact continue to expand. By opening doors to collections at other accredited institutions, the museum’s capacity to reach greater numbers of students, educators and visitors has further broadened.

“This is an exciting time for The Gund, the College and the local community,” said Kenyon President Julie Kornfeld. “By meeting the standards for accreditation, students can now learn best practices from professionals in the field. It’s a remarkable accomplishment that will open up opportunities for all members of our community to learn, engage and be inspired.”

Since its founding nearly 15 years ago as the Graham Gund Gallery and recently renamed, The Gund at Kenyon College has grown into a fully accredited academic museum with a collection of over 487 works, including acquisitions that reflect its global and inclusive approach to teaching and learning. With a strong focus on contemporary voices and interdisciplinary dialogue, The Gund fosters spaces where art becomes an active tool for inquiry and connection.

This achievement is a shared one. The Gund celebrates the students, faculty, staff, alumni, artists, donors and visitors who have helped shape the museum’s journey — and who continue to inspire its future.