The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City commissioned an economic impact study to help justify a forthcoming $40 million capital investment campaign.
It’s safe to say the results from the subsequent study from RegionTrack are eye-opening, which initially was reported by The Oklahoman newspaper.
Some highlights from the report:
- The museum drew about 119,000 visitors in 2023, which averages to about 10,000 a month.
- Nearly 60% of the visitors live outside of Oklahoma City, with 4% from foreign countries.
- The museum is projected to generate $313 million in total economic impact from 2019 to 2028.
- The economic impact of the museum is expected to grow by another $6 million this year.
- The museum supports nearly 200 jobs. That’s expected to grow to nearly 250 by 2026.
Needless to say, officials from the museum and local government are pleased with the study results.
However, I would think the museum would want to boost that 4% foreign visitors ratio, given their long fascination with cowboy culture.
The capital investment program will include improvements to parking, grounds and vaults. The campaign already has resulted in “The Code of the West” and “Find Your West” interactive and immersive exhibits.
“The Cowboy,” as it is colloquially called, will mark the 60th anniversary of its opening in 2025.
The museum also is located on Route 66, and it undoubtedly will benefit from the highway’s centennial in 2026.
(Image of a statue at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City by We travel the world via Flickr)