Museums in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029)
New York, United States
Last Updated: February 2024
NAICS 71211Revenue
$16.9bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$X.Xbn
Employees
73,963
Businesses
7,807
Wages
$X.Xbn
Museums in the US industry analysis
The Museums industry is made up of diverse cultural institutions that attract many visitors. The entities can range from art museums and noncommercial galleries that showcase works from various artists and artistic movements to historical museums that collect, preserve and display cultural objects reflecting society’s evolution. Science, nature and technology museums are also a part of this industry, as are military and memorial museums. In recent years, new technologies like virtual and augmented reality experiences have emerged, which allow visitors to access artwork and artifacts in a new way and offer a more immersive experience. However, the popularity of digital educational experiences that proliferated during the pandemic has begun to threaten science, nature and technology museums, as many schools and families find the low cost and high interactivity of digital learning more effective. In the current period, revenue fell at a CAGR of 0.7% to an estimated $16.9 billion, including expected growth of 1.3% in 2024.
Trends and Insights
- Museums are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which slashed their revenue. Strong years of tourism since have only helped recover a fraction of this shortfall and many locations have closed.
- Art, history and science museums are adding interactive, tactile elements to exhibits. Curators are betting that enhanced interactivity, specifically allowing visitors to interact with exhibits through touch, will help museums withstand digital competition.
- Museums need tourists to keep income flowing, which is why the largest museums are located near tourist hotspots. For example, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia contain disproportionate numbers of museums.
- Museums rarely compete directly with other nearby locations. Instead, many focus on attracting a more quiet, intellectual crowd.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 0.7 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $16.9bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic forced museums to close
- In 2020, demand faltered as the pandemic disrupted regular museum operations. Many people found reconnecting with nature to be essential for mental well-being at a time when museums were forced to close.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Modern technology will have a profound impact on how museums operate
- Cloud-based solutions, like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Services, are making it possible for museums to securely store and manage their vast collections. This not only enhances security measures but also allows for efficient management of digital assets, saving museums time and resources.
Biggest companies in the Museums in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smithsonian Institution | 1,519.9 | -29.9 | -2.0 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 1 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Art museums and galleries, Historical museums and Science, nature and technology museums. Art museums and galleries is the largest segment of the Museums in the US.
Trends and Insights
Art museums and galleries face digital threats
- Art museums and noncommercial galleries, which each feature works in color and form from various artists and art movements, make up a significant percent of industry income due to a large number of institutions in the US showcasing a wide range of art collections.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Historic Sites in the US
- National Parks & Other Nature Institutions
- Amusement Parks in the US
Complementors
- Art Dealers in the US
International industries
- Art Galleries and Museums in Australia
- Art Galleries and Museum Operation in New Zealand
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in the UK
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry engages in the preservation and exhibition of artworks and other objects of historical, cultural and educational value. It includes art galleries, art museums and other museums in general. This industry does not include commercial art galleries that sell art products and objects.
What's included in this industry?
Art museums and galleries (except retail)Historical museumsScience, nature and technology museumsHalls of fameMilitary museumsCompanies
Smithsonian InstitutionPurchase this report to view all 1 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
DEACCESSIONINGCONTEMPORARY ARTINTERACTIVE MUSEUMSIndustry Code
NAICS 71211 - Museums in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Museums are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which slashed their revenue. Strong years of tourism since have only helped recover a fraction of this shortfall and ...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Art, history and science museums are adding interactive, tactile elements to exhibits. Curators are betting that enhanced interactivity, specifically allowing visitors to int...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Museums need tourists to keep income flowing, which is why the largest museums are located near tourist hotspots. For example, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Museums rarely compete directly with other nearby locations. Instead, many focus on attracting a more quiet, intellectual crowd.
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Very few museums earn more than 5.0% of revenue, except the government-guided Smithsonian Institution. Museums benefit little from a large market share and external influence...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Smithsonian Institution's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Smithsonian Institution, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Volatile tourism and financial markets added difficulty to museums already struggling to bring in enough money. Even additional philanthropists and government programs couldn...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Keeping artifacts safe and in immaculate condition remains the dominant cost for most museums. Employee salaries are also a significant expense, but many museums lower wage c...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2017-2022)
- Industry Tax Structure (2017-2022)
- Income Statement (2017-2022)
- Balance Sheet (2017-2022)
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Museums in the US industry in United States in 2024?
The market size of the Museums in the US industry in United States is $16.9bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Museums in the US industry in 2024?
There are 7,807 businesses in the Museums in the US industry in United States, which has declined at a CAGR of 3.3 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Museums in the US industry in United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Museums in the US industry in United States has been declining at a CAGR of 0.7 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Museums in the US industry in United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Museums in the US industry in United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Museums in the US market in United States?
The biggest company operating in the Museums market in United States is Smithsonian Institution
What does the Museums in the US in United States include?
Art museums and galleries (except retail) and Historical museums are part of the Museums in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Museums in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Smithsonian Institution.
How competitive is the Museums in the US industry in United States?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Museums in the US industry in United States.
