IMLS Publishes Results of Groundbreaking National Museum Survey

IMLS Publishes Results of Groundbreaking National Museum Survey

Thousands of museums share budget, programming, and employment data.

Photo: Preview of the NMS Data Portal.

WASHINGTON, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has published the results of its inaugural National Museum Survey (NMS). As the first comprehensive federal dataset regarding US museums, the NMS provides new insights into a field that generates billions of dollars in economic activity, provides nearly half a million jobs, and hosts over one billion visits per year.

"This groundbreaking research provides a baseline of the state of American museums that will serve our nation well into the future," said Lisa Solomson, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the IMLS Director.

Modeled after IMLS’s Public Libraries Survey , and developed with support from a panel of subject matter experts and an independent survey research firm, the NMS collected data from thousands of museums through a secure, confidential reporting system. That data is now available to museum professionals, policymakers, researchers, the media, and the public through an interactive NMS Data Portal on the IMLS website.

The NMS Data Portal enables viewers to explore survey results by respondents’ geographic region, discipline type, or size. Data can then be used by institutions and policymakers to benchmark performance, identify trends, support planning and data-informed decision making, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and funders.

Topics addressed by the survey include:

• Characteristics – Including annual budgets, discipline types, and legal classifications.
• Admissions and Visitors – Including admission prices, discount programs, and membership volume.
• Digital Presence – Including digital accessibility, website presence, and social media following.
• Facilities – Including ownership status, building size, and condition.
• Finances – Including revenue, expenses, and fundraising.
• Human Resources – Including employment breakdown, internships, and governing bodies.

The second edition of the NMS is expected to launch on September 21, 2026. Museum professionals should contact NMS@imls.gov or visit www.imls.gov/nms to ensure that their institution is invited to participate.