The New York Study of Public and Private Museums provides the first comprehensive statewide portrait of New York’s chartered museums. By collecting comparable data from museums across the state, the Study identifies trends, challenges, and opportunities that can inform future policy, funding, and strategic planning.
The New York Study of Public and Private Museums was a statewide “census” of all chartered museums in New York, conducted by Empire State Development, New York State Council on the Arts, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Department of State, and the New York State Education Department.
The Study gathered comprehensive data from museums across the state to:
Wilkening Consulting, an audience research firm specializing in museums and the informal learning and cultural sectors, were contracted to conduct the research on behalf of Empire State Development.
The findings provide a breadth of stakeholders including, but not limited to, state agencies, museum leaders, and others with a shared evidence base for understanding the needs of New York museums. The report is intended to support informed decision making, guide investments, and strengthen museums' ability to serve their communities.
Data Sheets indicating the statistical results of participating museums may be found by following the link to Data Sheets. Many of the worksheets, templates, and tracking tools developed for the Study remain useful beyond the survey itself. Museums can continue using these resources to collect data, benchmark their performance, and make informed decisions over time.
Data Sheets are one-page infographics that provide greater context for understanding the various museum sectors in New York State. They are provided in two formats: by museum type or size and by region.
Explore data highlights from the New York Study of Public and Private Museums in this two-page infographic.
This worksheet allows you to collaborate with your team to effectively gather responses to common benchmark questions all in one place, and offers data tracking templates you can use for the future.
Looking to collect data regarding your museum’s volunteer program? Use this useful spreadsheet to begin gathering and tracking that information.
The Study was a comprehensive, statewide research initiative, like a “census” that gathered information on all museums, including zoos, historic sites, botanical gardens, state parks, or any other organization chartered by New York State. No one had ever created a database listing every museum in New York . . . until now!
Empire State Development contracted Wilkening Consulting to conduct the Study. Wilkening Consulting regularly conducts research for organizations in the museum and cultural sectors.
The project was commissioned by the State Legislature through statute, and Empire State Development contracted Wilkening Consulting to conduct the Study.
You can find the full list of participating museums in Appendix E of the full report.
For any questions, please contact outreach@wilkeningconsulting.com