Museums are significant economic contributors that generate visitor expenditure, supporting tourism, creating employment, and anchoring cultural infrastructure in communities across the country. This contribution is broad- based, spanning metropolitan flagships and regional institutions, and extends well beyond the cultural sector into education, science, and the visitor economy.

Exhibition – Australian Museum’s Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

The Australian Museum’s Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition held in Sydney (November 18, 2023, to May 19, 2024) demonstrates the significant economic and cultural impact museums are able to generate.

The exhibition was the most successful in the Museum’s history, attracting more than 510,000 visitors and contributing directly over $57 million to the NSW economy. Visitor spending, tourism, hospitality and related business activity generated substantial economic benefits, with every $1 invested in the exhibition returning more than $11 in value to the community. Interstate and international visitors also increased hotel stays, restaurant spending and broader tourism activity in the City of Sydney.

Beyond its economic contribution, the exhibition demonstrated the power of museums to deliver major cultural experiences, support education and strengthen international cultural engagement. The exhibition drew record audiences through immersive storytelling, rare artefacts and educational programming, reinforcing the role museums play in cultural participation and community connection.

Economic Impact Report: Source: https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/ramses-economic-impact/