Museums
What educational and cultural resources are provided outside of schools?
The number of museums in a city reflects its investment in cultural infrastructure and opportunities for residents to engage with history, art, science, and identity. Museums are not just tourist attractions—they’re civic spaces that offer education, dialogue, and connection to place.
When the number of museums is low, it may indicate limited public or private investment in the arts, or barriers to access like cost, location, or language. This can particularly affect families with children or residents in neighborhoods without easy access to cultural institutions. Expanding museum access can involve city support for new or mobile exhibits, partnerships with schools, and inclusive programming that reflects the diversity of the city.
When museums are plentiful and accessible, they contribute to a vibrant civic life where residents of all ages can learn, reflect, and connect. A strong museum network supports tourism, education, and cultural inclusion, enriching the identity and economy of the city.
Primary Indicator
Museums per 100,000 city residents
Data were obtained from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Museum Data Files. The number of museums in each city was determined through addresses within each of the three distinct files and added together. The sum of museums was then divided by population data from the U.S. Census Bureau to produce a value of museums per 100,000 residents. Data are available at the city level. For more information on the methodology and calculations, please visit the source's site here.