Impact & Public Benefit

Museum Releases Economic Impact Study

In conjunction with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's centennial—which marks 100 years of the institution’s engagement with the community—the Museum conducted a formal study of its economic impact and benefit to the public.

To fully understand the breadth and depth of the institution's value to the community, the Museum collaborated with the third-party professional research firm Kleinhenz & Associates to study and benchmark the impact of the Museum on the local and regional economies. 

The Museum is recognized as one of the premier natural history museums in the country, with collections that garner worldwide attention and exhibits that attract travelers from near and far. The economic impact of its annual operations represent only a small fraction of its influence on the community. More broadly, its research and collections, natural areas, and educational activities generate substantial social value.

This report’s primary aim was to objectively estimate the increase in economic activity attributed to the operations of the Museum. Using economic modeling tools, a framework was constructed to provide specific and reliable estimates of the Museum’s economic impact on specific markets.

The study also sought to estimate the societal benefits of the Museum’s nonmarket science activities and provision of education.

The study found that the Museum creates 284 jobs and has an annual economic impact and value of $39.5 million through its operations, visitors, education, and science activities in Cuyahoga County.

To explore the full findings of the report, launch the dashboard below: