Museum Business Plan [Sample Template]

Museums have gained popularity among young adults and social media enthusiasts who are looking for visually appealing and engaging experiences to share with their online communities. These businesses combine elements of art, entertainment, and technology to create a memorable and shareable experience for their visitors.

Steps on How to Write a Museum Business Plan

1. Executive Summary

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. is an innovative and captivating entertainment venue, strategically located in Jamestown, Virginia, one of the oldest cities in the United States. The museum is designed to offer visitors a unique and immersive experience through its interactive and visually striking exhibits, celebrating the wonders of history and time.

Time Wonders® Museum features a series of carefully curated themed exhibits that blend artistic flair with historical significance. From ancient civilizations to pivotal moments in world history, each exhibit offers a visually appealing and interactive environment, encouraging visitors to actively participate and become part of the artwork.

2. Company Profile

a. Our Products and Services

Interactive Exhibits: Our museum has a collection of interactive installations, 3D art, optical illusions, and sensory experiences, providing an engaging and memorable visit for people of all ages.

Social Media-Friendly: Every exhibit is designed to be highly shareable on social media platforms, empowering visitors to capture and share their extraordinary moments with their online communities.

Education and Entertainment: Time Wonders® Museum combines education with entertainment, fostering a deeper appreciation for history while engaging visitors through entertaining and immersive displays.

Event Hosting: We offer event hosting services, enabling guests to celebrate birthdays, special occasions, or corporate events in a unique and inspiring setting.

Merchandise: To commemorate their experience, visitors can purchase branded merchandise, photo prints, and souvenirs.

b. Nature of the Business

Our museum center will operate the B2C – Business-to-consumer business model. We will offer our services directly to the end user without any middleman arrangement.

c. The Industry

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will operate under the cultural and heritage industry.

d. Mission Statement

At Time Wonders® Museum, our mission is to transport visitors on a captivating journey through time, showcasing the rich tapestry of history and culture while providing an engaging and shareable experience that sparks curiosity and wonder.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision is to become a premier destination in Jamestown, Virginia, where history comes to life through artful exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, and the sharing of memorable moments.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. – “Journey Through Time: Where History Comes to Life!”

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company, LLC.

h. Our Organizational Structure

• Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
• Museum Administrators
• Curators and Educators
• Exhibition Designers
• Ticketing and Front-Desk Personnel
• Maintenance Staff
• Security Personnel.

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

• Gabriel Logan (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 51 Percent Shares
• Tim Jakes (Board Member) 19 Percent Shares
• Rita Anderson (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Nicholas Robinson (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Shavonne McNamara (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.

3. SWOT Analysis

a. Strength

• The museum’s interactive exhibits and visually striking installations offer a one-of-a-kind and engaging experience for visitors, setting it apart from traditional museums.
• With exhibits designed to be highly shareable on social media, the museum leverages user-generated content for organic marketing and increased brand visibility.
• Being situated in Jamestown, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., the museum benefits from its historical significance and attracts both tourists and local residents.
• Time Wonders® Museum combines entertainment with education, catering to a wide range of audiences, including schools and educational institutions seeking enriching field trips.
• The museum’s ability to host special events, celebrations, and corporate gatherings provides an additional revenue stream and increases its overall appeal.

b. Weakness

• As a museum, there is a risk that the business model relies heavily on current social media trends. The popularity of such trends might fluctuate over time, affecting visitor numbers.
• While appealing to young adults and social media enthusiasts, the museum may face challenges in attracting older demographics or those less active on social media.
• Establishing and maintaining visually captivating exhibits can require significant upfront costs and ongoing investments in design and renovation.

c. Opportunities

• Jamestown’s popularity as a tourist destination presents an opportunity for the museum to capitalize on the increasing number of visitors to the area.
• The museum can collaborate with local businesses, historical societies, and educational institutions to expand its reach and create cross-promotional opportunities.
• Introducing seasonal or rotating themed exhibits can attract repeat visitors and keep the museum fresh and exciting.
• Enhancing the museum’s online presence through virtual tours, educational content, and digital engagement can extend its reach beyond physical visitors.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The museum industry is a significant and thriving sector that contributes both culturally and economically to societies worldwide. While the specific revenue figures and economic impact may vary across regions and countries, the museum industry’s overall significance as a cultural and educational institution remains considerable.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

Yes, the museum industry is growing and it will continue to evolve, adapt to changing trends and technologies, and play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and knowledge.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry?

Museums are increasingly embracing digital technologies to enhance visitor experiences. This includes virtual and augmented reality exhibits, interactive displays, mobile apps, and online platforms that allow virtual visits and engagement from anywhere in the world.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, some museums were exploring hybrid models, combining physical visits with virtual components. The pandemic accelerated this trend, leading to more museums offering online exhibits and programs.

Museums are moving beyond traditional displays and adopting immersive storytelling techniques to create emotional connections with visitors and make history come alive.

Museums are using data and analytics to gain insights into visitor behavior, preferences, and interests. This information helps in better curating exhibits and tailoring experiences. Museums are exploring the use of AI and automation to enhance visitor experiences, improve efficiency in operations, and offer personalized recommendations.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Yes, there are niche ideas when it comes to the museum line of business and some of them are:

• Space Exploration Museum
• Mythology and Folklore Museum
• Steampunk Technology Museum
• Cryptozoology and Cryptids Museum
• Time Travel Museum
• Selfie Museum.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of Your Business in the Future?

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will not sell franchises in the near future.

d. Threats

• The cultural and entertainment landscape in Jamestown may include other attractions, museums, and historical sites, leading to competition for visitors’ attention and time.
• Downturns in the economy or unexpected events (e.g., pandemics) can impact travel and leisure spending, affecting visitor numbers.
• Shifts in social media platforms or trends can impact the museum’s ability to stay relevant and maintain its shareability factor.
• Compliance with local regulations, permits, and zoning laws may present obstacles to expansion or special events.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Smithsonian Institution
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The Getty Center
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Science
• The National WWII Museum
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• The Field Museum
• The National Museum of Natural History
• The California Academy of Sciences
• The National Civil Rights Museum
• The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• The Museum of Science and Industry
• The Getty Villa
• The National Museum of African-American History and Culture
• The San Diego Museum of Art
• The National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

ii. Is There a Franchise for the Museum Business? 

No, there are no franchise opportunities for the museum business.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting Museum Business?

Yes, there are various policies, regulations, and zoning laws that can affect a museum business in the United States. Policies, regulations, and zoning laws can vary at the local, state, and federal levels in the United States.

Local zoning regulations may specify whether museum facilities are allowed in residential, commercial, or mixed-use zones. It’s important to review the zoning requirements and obtain the necessary permits and approvals for the construction or operation of museum courts or facilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility standards for public accommodations, including sports facilities. Museum centers may need to comply with ADA guidelines to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

4. Marketing Plan

a. Who is Your Target Audience?

i. Age Range

The target audience for Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. would primarily consist of millennials and younger generations, typically ranging from teenagers to young adults in their 20s and 30s.

ii. Level of Education: The level of education is not a significant factor in determining the target audience for a museum.

iii. Income Level: Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will target a diverse range of income levels.

iv. Ethnicity: Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. aims to be an inclusive and diverse space that appeals to individuals of various ethnicities.

v. Language

The museum will cater to individuals of various language backgrounds by ensuring that signage, instructions, and information are provided in multiple languages, particularly in regions with diverse linguistic communities.

vi. Geographical Location

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. primarily targets individuals in the local area or those visiting the specific region where the museum is located. The target audience would consist of residents of Jamestown, nearby cities, and tourists visiting the area.

vii. Lifestyle

The target audience for Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. would include individuals with an active and visually-driven lifestyle.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

• Host Themed Events That Catch the Attention of Potential Clients.
• Tap Into Text Marketing.
• Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
• Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
• Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
• Develop Your Business Directory Profiles

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

• Marketing through Direct Mail.
• Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
• Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
• OOH Marketing – Public Transit like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street shows, and Cabs.
• Leverage direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), tradeshows, print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing Platforms.
• Influencer Marketing.
• Email Marketing.
• Content Marketing.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
• Affiliate Marketing
• Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

• Start using chatbots.
• Create a personalized experience for each of our clients.
• Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
• Create a community for our freelance marketers and influencers.
• Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
• Use brand advocates.
• Create profiles on relevant social media channels.
• Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will adopt the following pricing strategies:

• Cost-Plus Pricing
• Value-Based Pricing
• Competitive Pricing
• Dynamic Pricing
• Bundle Pricing

5. Sales and Distribution Plan

a. Sales Channels

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, freelance marketers, and social media influencers to help refer clients to us.

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which is the place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted to our patients and donors.

b. Inventory Strategy

The fact that we will need museum supplies per time means that Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse.

We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Here are the payment options that Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will make available to its clients, donors, and contributors;

• Bank Transfers
• Credit or Debit Card
• Cash
• Checks
• Electronic Payment Systems such as PayPal or Venmo.

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

Return Policy

As a museum Center, we will implement a return policy that allows customers to cancel their booking or reschedule for a future date if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. T

Incentives

To encourage repeat business and positive customer reviews, we will offer various incentives to customers. We will offer loyalty programs where customers earn points for every visit and can redeem them for discounts or freebies. We will also offer special discounts to customers who refer friends or family to our museum.

We will also offer promotions or themed events during holidays or special occasions, such as Halloween or Valentine’s Day.

Guarantees

As a museum Center, we will guarantee the safety and quality of our services to our customers by ensuring that all equipment is well-maintained and that all staff are trained in safety protocols and are available to assist customers as needed.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve ensuring that clients can contact our museum business through multiple communication channels, such as email, phone, and social media.

We will also make sure that all contact information is clearly displayed on the business’s website and promotional materials. We will foster a culture of putting clients first, where staff are trained to listen actively and empathize with clients’ needs.

We will encourage staff to go the extra mile to ensure clients feel valued and supported. We will implement a CRM system to manage client data, track appointments, and follow-up activities.

6. Operational Plan

Our operational plan will involve developing and marketing a range of museum programs and services that cater to clients with different needs, including children and people with disabilities, veterans, and professionals.

Overall, we plan to expand our revenue by 25 percent in the second year and the plan will include a marketing, sales, and operations component. The operations component of the plan would include attracting partnerships and referrals that will enable the firm to boost our service offerings and support revenue growth.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Museum Center?

• Before opening the doors, staff at the center typically clean the facility, inspect the equipment, and make sure everything is in good condition for customers.
• Conducting museum sessions
• Staff members also answer questions from customers regarding the facility or general inquiries.
• At the end of the day, staff members clean up the facility and prepare it for the next day.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to a museum business.

c. Service Procedure

Once the center is open, staff members greet customers, check them in, and provide a brief orientation on safety procedures and the rules of the museum. Throughout the day, staff members monitor customers and the facility to ensure that everyone is following safety protocols.

d. The Supply Chain

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will establish a business relationship with wholesale supplies of museum supplies and merchandise.

e. Sources of Income

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will make money from;

• Booking fees
• Walk-in fees
• Private events such as corporate team building activities, birthday parties, or bachelor/bachelorette parties for which they charge a flat fee.
• Food and beverage sales
• Merchandise sales
• Memberships and loyalty programs
• Advertising and sponsorships.

7. Financial Plan

a. Amount Needed to Start Our Museum?

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. would need an estimate of $2.2 million to successfully set up our museum center in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all our staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Cost Involved?

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
• Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $5,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $5,400.
• Rent/Lease – $550,000.
• Other start-up expenses include commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $70,000
• Start-up inventory – $250,000
• Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
• Equipment, Furniture, Artifices, and maintenance – $1 million
• Website: $600
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $7,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will build a new facility for our museum center and it will cost us $1.5 million

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Museum Business?

• Staff Salaries
• Regular utility expenses, such as electricity, water, heating, and cooling.
• Insurance
• Maintenance and Repairs
• Exhibit Refreshment
• Security and Surveillance
• Marketing and Promotion
• Expenses for maintaining software systems, ticketing platforms, and digital tools for visitor engagement and administrative purposes.
• Costs associated with creating educational materials, brochures, guides, and information for visitors.
• Cleaning and Janitorial Services
• Administrative Expenses
• Costs associated with cataloging, conserving, and storing artifacts and collections.
• Regulatory and Licensing Fees
• Costs related to fundraising efforts, donor management, and donor acknowledgment.

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $65,000 per year
• Museum Administrators – $45,000 per year
• Curators and Educators – $42,000 per year
• Exhibition Designers – $40,000 per year
• Ticketing and Front-Desk Personnel – $35,000 per year
• Maintenance Staff – $35,000 per year
• Security Personnel – $25,150 per year.

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Museum Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Pitching our business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from,the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from our family members and friends.

8. Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for Your Product/Service?

The admission fees for museums typically range from $15 to $40 per person for a standard adult ticket. However, we will offer discounted rates for children, students, seniors, or group bookings. VIP packages or enhanced experiences with additional perks or access may have higher prices.

b. Sales Forecast?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $300,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $420,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $520,000

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): (10% of revenue generated)
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (20% of revenue generated)
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (25% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of a Museum Product/Service

The ideal profit margin we hope to make at Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will be between 10 and 25 percent on service charges. This refers to our profit as a percentage of our total cost.

9. Growth Plan

a. How do you intend to grow and expand? By opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise?

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. will grow our museum business by first opening other facilities in key cities in the United States of America within the first five years of establishing the organization and then will start selling franchises from the tenth year.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. plans to expand to

• Augustine, Florida
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Jamestown, Virginia
• Plymouth, Massachusetts
• Hampton, Virginia
• Albany, New York
• Boston, Massachusetts
• New York City, New York
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The reason we intend to expand to these locations is the fact that these cities are some of the oldest cities in the United of America, and with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

10. Exit Plan

The founder of Time Wonders® Museum, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have positioned structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without difficulties.

The company has successfully developed a detailed transition plan to smoothly hand over responsibilities to the new successor. This includes transferring ownership, training key personnel, and communicating with employees, customers, and suppliers about the change.