By 2023, as the world moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in the United States is set for a comeback. This key component of the nation’s economy had been facing difficulties before the pandemic, with millions of visitors making their way to the U.S. and revenue of $233 billion generated, plus countless jobs created. Nevertheless, the closures and travel bans implemented globally in 2020 had a severe impact on the hospitality sector and museums.
Due to the pandemic, the museum industry, a significant economic and cultural powerhouse in the U.S., encountered numerous difficulties. Since a lot of museums are non-profit establishments, they were in danger of shutting down forever and putting over 124,000 jobs in jeopardy, as well as robbing people of the cultural experiences they offer. Fortunately, many museums could hold their own, yielding more than $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Moreover, a great % of tourists – 75 percent — take part in cultural activities, including exploring museums.
To create our list of the top 20 museums in the U.S. in 2023, we consulted the Smithsonian Institute and Themed Entertainment Association’s 2022 Museum Index. We examined visitor data from 2019 to 2022, to allow us to consider changes in attendance over the years. For certain museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History in New York, which only had 2019 data, we estimate visitor numbers for the following years. International tourism to the U.S. hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, yet these 20 museums have the potential to revive the hospitality industry.
We’ll now look at the top 20 most visited museums in the U.S. for 2023, highlighting the attractions that remain widely popular among vacationers from across the globe, even in the aftermath of the hardships of recent times. In 2023, despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the top 20 most visited museums in the United States demonstrate the timeless fascination of art, science, and history, offering guests from both within and outside the country an enriching experience.
- The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 13,062
Topping the list of the top 20 most visited museums in the U.S. in 2023, The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, while not reaching the Louvre’s global numbers, remains the most popular museum in the United States, housing over 2 million works of art.
- American Museum Of Natural History, New York
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 11,494
With an astonishing collection of over 35 million specimens, the American Museum Of Natural History contributes significantly to the U.S.’s status as a top cultural tourism destination.
- National Gallery Of Art, Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 9,765
Among Washington D.C.’s numerous museums, the National Gallery of Art stands out as the most-visited art museum in the country as of 2022. - National Museum Of Natural History, Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 9,655
As the most visited museum in the U.S. in 2022, the National Museum Of Natural History in Washington D.C. boasts an extensive collection of over 146 million species and exhibits. - The Museum Of Modern Art, New York
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 6,049
Known for housing some of the world’s most influential modern artworks, The Museum Of Modern Art in New York boasts masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night. - National Museum Of American History, Washington, Dc, U.S.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 5,481
Reflecting the rich heritage of the United States, the National Museum Of American History stands as one of the most frequented American museums. - Houston Museum Of Natural Science, Houston, Tx, U.S.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 5,271
The Houston Museum Of Natural Science, the most visited museum in Texas, showcases the enduring fascination with natural history and science among both Americans and foreign visitors. - California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 4,891
As one of the largest hands-on science centers on the West Coast, the California Science Center focuses on making science engaging and accessible. - Denver Museum Of Nature & Science, Denver, CO, U.S.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 4,588
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Colorado’s most-visited museum, boasts a large staff and an impressive volunteer network, attracting over 1 million visitors in 2022. - National Air And Space Museum, Washington D.C., U.S.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 4,297
Although it was ranked higher in pre-pandemic times, the National Air And Space Museum remains the only aviation-focused institution on our list. - Smithsonian American Art Museum (With The Renwick Gallery), Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,907
Located in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum is among several museums in our list based in the capital. - National Museum Of African American History And Culture, Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,854
Established in 2003 and permanently housed since 2016, this museum is one of the newest additions to our list. - U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,792
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is dedicated to raising awareness about the Holocaust’s atrocities and preventing future genocides. - Art Institute Of Chicago, Chicago
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,778
One of the nation’s oldest and largest museums, the Art Institute Of Chicago houses an impressive collection of over 300,000 permanent artworks. - Museum Of Science And Industry, Chicago
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,593
Specializing in science and industry, the Museum Of Science And Industry in Chicago features a full-scale replica of a coal mine and a captured World War II German submarine. - Museum Of Science, Boston
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,509
Boston’s Museum Of Science houses a diverse collection, including more than 100 rescued and rehabilitated animals, along with over 700 interactive exhibits. - Field Museum Of Natural History, Chicago
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,433
Among the world’s largest natural history museums, the Field Museum Of Natural History boasts over 24 million specimens and a history spanning nearly 130 years.
- National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,305
The National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. specializes in curating and displaying portraits of famous Americans.
- California Academy Of Sciences, San Francisco
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,173
The California Academy Of Sciences, with an impressive collection of over 46 million specimens, received $2.1 million in state support in 2022 for the Thriving California Environmental Learning Plan. - J. Paul Getty Center, Los Angeles
Total number of visitors from 2019 to 2022 (in thousands): 3,119
The J. Paul Getty Center, a part of the Getty Museum, had an initial cost of $1.3 billion when it opened in 1997. Despite the pandemic’s impact on visitor numbers, it showed strong signs of recovery, welcoming over 900,000 visitors in 2022.
Amid a tourism resurgence, these museums serve as beacons of hope and intellectual inspiration, drawing millions of visitors annually. They underscore the lasting impact of art, science, and history in uniting and inspiring people, shaping the cultural fabric of the United States, and advancing exploration, enlightenment, and cross-cultural understanding.
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