How Do Museums Make Money?

Almost all museums are nonprofit businesses. But “nonprofit” is a tax status, not a financial goal. Museums make money. They have to. And when our work helps them to do that, we can have a bigger impact.

So how do museums make money? And how could planners and designers of exhibitions and experiences help?

Museums can …

… charge for experiences (which we can help make):

- Admission tickets
- Special exhibitions
- Gift shop
- Online sales
- Café
- Educational programs
- Parking fees

… rent out their spaces (which we can help make special):

- Event rentals (e.g., parties)
- Facility rentals (e.g., movie shoots)

… get donations (which we can help attract):

- Membership Dues
- Donations and Grants
- Grants for Research and Conservation
- Government Funding
- Sponsorships

… charge to use collections (which we can help make appealing):

- Collection lending
- Licensing and royalties
- Traveling exhibitions
- Sales of assets

… and invest big donations (which we can help impress donors to give):

- Endowment Income

Here’s the thing:
Museums make money. They have to. The more we can help them do that, the bigger the impact we’ll have.

Warmly,
Jonathan