Museums preserve and present cultural, historical, scientific, and artistic collections to educate and inspire the public. Many museums operate as public institutions funded by government agencies or as nonprofit organizations that serve as community cultural anchors accessible to residents of all backgrounds.

There are 52 states with Museum locations across the United States. There are over 33,000 museums of all types in the United States, and together they serve approximately 850 million visits annually, making them one of the most visited institutions in the country.

Museum in the United States

Browsing by state helps visitors and residents find museums near them, including art museums, science centers, history museums, children's museums, and natural history institutions, along with admission prices and program information.

Common Services

  • Permanent and rotating exhibition viewing and guided tours
  • School group field trip programs and educational workshops
  • Museum membership programs with year-round admission benefits
  • Research access to collections, archives, and special libraries

Visitors planning a museum trip should check the museum's website for current exhibitions, temporary closures, and any timed entry reservation requirements. Many museums offer free admission days or discounted rates for seniors, students, and military families.

For official information, visit American Alliance of Museums.

Museum by State
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About Museum

Museums in the United States are funded through a combination of government appropriations, nonprofit fundraising, earned income from admissions and memberships, and federal grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Many city and county museums receive direct government funding as community cultural resources.

Common Services

  • Collection loans and traveling exhibition partnerships
  • Facility rental for corporate events, weddings, and private functions
  • Conservation and preservation services for artifacts and works of art
  • Public programming including lectures, film series, and family activities

Educators planning school visits should contact the museum's education department well in advance to arrange guided tours, pre-visit materials, and curriculum connections aligned with state academic standards for the relevant grade level.

For official information, visit Institute of Museum and Library Services.