Maryland Museums Generate $705.3 Million in Economic Impact

A new study reveals the significant economic impact of Maryland museums, including millions in visitor spending, thousands of jobs, and support for local businesses.

Museums contribute more than history, art, and culture. They also strengthen local economies, support tourism, and create jobs.

A new statewide study commissioned by the Maryland Museums Association (MMA) puts numbers behind these contributions. According to the Economic Impact Study of Maryland Museums, museums and cultural institutions generated $705.3 million in economic impact during Fiscal Year 2025.

The study was released on October 21, 2026, and prepared by Parker Strategy Group.

Maryland Museums: Key Economic Impact Findings

The study examined the economic contributions of 95 participating museums across Maryland. Researchers measured museum operating and capital spending, as well as visitor spending at local businesses.

Here are some of the key findings:

• $705.3 million in total statewide economic impact.
• 4,508 jobs supported or sustained through museum operations and visitor spending.
• $6.29 returned to Maryland’s economy for every $1 museums spend directly on operations and capital projects.
• $53.9 million in estimated state and local tax revenue.
• $504.6 million in economic output from museum visitor spending.

The total economic impact includes $200.7 million from museum operations and capital spending. Visitor spending accounted for another $504.6 million.

This visitor spending includes dining, lodging, transportation, and retail purchases. These activities also benefit businesses throughout the state.

Museums Strengthen Maryland’s Communities

The economic impact of Maryland museums extends beyond dollars and jobs.

The report highlights museums as important anchors for tourism economies. It also recognizes their role in workforce development and community infrastructure.

Museums bring visitors to local communities. Those visitors support restaurants, hotels, shops, and other businesses.

In addition, museums create opportunities for learning, cultural engagement, and community connection.

These findings demonstrate why museums are valuable community assets and important contributors to Maryland’s economy.

Research Supports Museum Advocacy

The study also offers recommendations for strengthening Maryland’s museum sector.

Among its priorities are:

• Increasing allocations to the Maryland Historical Trust’s Museum Assistance Program grants.
• Strengthening support for Maryland’s Heritage Areas Program as an economic development opportunity.

Having reliable economic data helps museums make a stronger case for investment and public support.

It also gives museum associations and advocates useful information to share with policymakers, funders, and community leaders.

A Valuable Contribution to the Museum Field

The Maryland Museums Association’s research offers an important example of how economic impact studies can support museum advocacy.

For museum professionals throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the findings reinforce the important role museums play in their communities.

Museums preserve and share history, art, and culture. They also create jobs, attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen communities.

Congratulations to the Maryland Museums Association on this important research and advocacy effort!

Read the full report: Economic Impact Study of Maryland Museums

The study was prepared by Parker Strategy Group on behalf of the Maryland Museums Association.