Boom amid bust: Museums seek more visitors in tough times while funding declines

Boom amid bust: Museums see attendance spike

WASHINGTON — Museums across the country saw a spike in visitors during the economic slump last year, even as they experienced increasing financial stress.

A survey of nearly 500 institutions by the American Association of Museums shows more than 57 percent saw increased attendance in 2009.

The study released Thursday reports increases at museums large and small. Museums said more visitors were opting for affordable “staycations,” rather than expensive trips. And museums spent more on marketing to local visitors.

More museums also charged for admission last year. But the survey found the median price for adult admission was unchanged at $7.

Still, more than two-thirds of museums reported financial troubles as investment income and government, corporate and philanthropic funding declined.