New York City museums skip fire code fines, contrary to FDNY's own procedures

Gothamist reported on 19 August 2026 that New York City museums and cultural institutions have accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in fire code violation fines but are quietly exempted from paying them. ARTnews described the exemption as a "pass." Gothamist reported the practice contradicts the FDNY's own procedures manual. The FDNY has not publicly confirmed a formal exemption policy.