The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has announced that it is making major cuts to its merchandising staff. Seventy-four positions will be eliminated, effective immediately. The cuts amount to 27 percent of its full-time and 9 percent of its part-time retail staff. These layoffs come in addition to the positions already eliminated through the closing of satellite stores across the country.

The museum also anticipates that it will have to cut staff in its remaining departments by approximately 10 percent, as of July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year. In order to reduce costs, the museum has already instituted a hiring freeze and eliminated salary increases for the next fiscal year.

“In addressing these issues, the Trustees and management of the Metropolitan re-emphasize the institution’s determination — even in the wake of unprecedented financial pressures — to keep fully its longtime covenant with the museum-going public,” the museum said in an e-mail statement. “The Met will continue to provide not only a safe repository for its vast collections, but a haven of enlightenment, education, and illumination for its diverse visitors from around the city and around the world, particularly at this time — when institutions that provide solace and inspiration are needed more than ever.”