Risk management is dealing with all types of risks in an organization at the highest management level. In museums it starts - and often ends - with a system of fire and burglary detectors. So far, disaster and security plans are exceptional, in museums. A great problem in the assessment of risks is the lack of knowledge and awareness of the value of the collection and the additional value of the museum as an organization. Some factors improve the awareness of risks: the forthcoming privatization of the museums' management, requirements set by insurance companies and loaners and the Working Conditions Act of 1990 (ARBO). Risk management is defined and its factors and aspects are mentioned. It includes a disaster plan, but it has a wider aim: to foster and ensure unhindered functioning of the organization (continuity, quality of work, preservation of cultural objects). Risks are divided into pure risks (of accidents happening; these risks can be insured) and risks taken on purpose (not regarded here). An important instrument in risk management is risk analysis regarding building, personnel, visitors, collection and inventory. Risks should be identified and evaluated as to their size and the extent of the possible damage connected to a risk. The manager has to make elementary decisions regarding prevention and decline of risks, insurance of some risks and acceptance of others. Financial and technical aspects of the transfer of risks (insurance) are treated. In the future the quality of its risk management might be a factor in the recognition of a museum as such.