Overview
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2025 National Museum Survey Findings Coming Summer 2026!
The next NMS collection opens Fall 2026. Additional information and resources will be shared as they become available.
The National Museum Survey (NMS) is the first-ever national survey dedicated to understanding the scope and scale of museums’ presence and reach within the United States. It will help inform the museum field, policymakers, the public, and the media about the social, cultural, educational, and economic role that the nation’s museums play in American society.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the NMS
NMS Question Reference Guide
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Please click the link below to provide your contact information and ensure that your institution is able to participate in the National Museum Survey. |
We welcome participation in the NMS from all types of institutions, including some that may not typically identify themselves as museums such as zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and arboretums; nature and science centers; history museums and historic sites; art museums; children’s museums; natural history museums; and specialized museums. To learn more about NMS eligibility, please email NMS@imls.gov.
The soon to be released NMS Data Portal will provide users with the ability to explore 2025 survey findings through a dynamic tool. In addition to allowing institutions to compare themselves with peers' summary results, findings will offer valuable insights, illustrate trends, and help inform decision making. Find more information about the National Museum Survey, including background on the years-long survey development process, through these links:
