Industry Statistics and Trends
Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe key trends
International tourism supports Europe’s cultural institutions.
With domestic visitation slowing due to economic pressures, museums and cultural sites are increasingly targeting international visitors through multilingual offerings, global exhibitions and strategic marketing to bolster revenue.
Digitalisation in cultural spaces boosts accessibility and revenue.
As more European museums and libraries turn to digitising their collections, technology-driven experiences are capturing new audiences and rejuvenating the sector, offering both educational and financial benefits.
European libraries and museums are adopting more sustainable practices.
Through initiatives like energy-efficient systems, ethical sourcing and conservation-themed exhibitions, these cultural institutions are becoming eco-friendlier while attracting environmentally-conscious visitors.
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Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2012-2030. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe market size (2020-2025)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 5.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €52.8bn in 2025.
Trends and Insights
Europe boasts a significant cultural heritage, drawing vast crowds
- France, the UK, Italy, Spain and Germany are leading countries in this industry due to their wealth of historical and cultural institutions and related activities. Strong government funding and donations to preserve and upkeep such sites and cultural infrastructure play a pivotal role in attracting visitors.
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Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Libraries and cultural venues adapt to the new age
- Investment in technology will continue at pace, easing accessibility and driving revenue. More European libraries and museums will move towards digitising their collections, allowing more people to experience European culture without geographical barriers.
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Revenue
€52.8bn
Employees
554k
Wages
€XX.Xbn
European Leaders & Laggards
Top 5 Countries
Bottom 5 Countries
* CAGR values are for the years 2020-2025.
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Biggest companies in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue (€m)
2025 | Profit (€m)
2025 | Profit Margin (%)
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The National Trust | 999.0 | -43.1 | -4.3 | |
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds | 256.7 | 20.5 | 8.0 | |
The British Library | 203.2 | 10.0 | 4.9 |
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Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe in 2025?
The market size of the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe is €52.8bn in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe in 2025?
There are 11,684 businesses in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.6 % between 2020 and 2025.
Has the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe has been growing at a CAGR of 5.4 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe is expected to grow.
What does the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe include?
Libraries and Archives are part of the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe.
How competitive is the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe?
The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Russia
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Estonia
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Iceland
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Malta
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Slovenia
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Cyprus
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Lithuania
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in the UK
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Latvia
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Serbia
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry includes the activities of libraries, archives, museums, art galleries, historical sites and buildings, botanical and zoological gardens, and nature reserves.
Related Terms
BOTANICAL GARDENSARCHIVESCURATORWhat's included in this industry?
LibrariesArchivesMuseumsArt galleriesHistorical sites or buildingsZoological gardensBotanical gardensNature reservesCompanies
The National TrustRoyal Society for the Protection of BirdsThe British LibraryIndustry Code
91 - Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
Europe boasts a significant cultural heritage, drawing vast crowds
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2025 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Employees in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Business in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Profit in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
Tech is transforming Europe's museums, making exhibits more interactive. By embracing virtual experiences and offering remote access, these institutions are revolutionising their approach to education and cultural preservation.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Total Imports into Europe
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2025)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2025)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2025)
- IVA (2025)
- Enterprises (2025)
- Employment (2025)
- Exports (2025)
- Imports (2025)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
The large number of institutions limit the level of concentration. There’s a high number of museums, libraries and cultural institutions across Europe, with success hinging on unique collections, premium locations and engaging exhibits that elevate customer experience and differentiate operators.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2020-2025)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 9 companies by market share:
- Market share (2025)
- Revenue (2025)
- Profit (2025)
- Profit Margin (2025)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for The National Trust
- Countries of operation for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- Countries of operation for The British Library
- Countries of operation for Musee du Louvre
- Countries of operation for The British Museum
- Countries of operation for Tate
- Countries of operation for Deutsches Museum von Meisterwerken der Naturwissenschaft und Technik
- Countries of operation for Gallerie degli Uffizi
- Countries of operation for Museo Nacional del Prado
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
Regulations help to govern Europe's cultural sectors. The industry falls under various regulations and policy controls to maintain authenticity, preserve culture and ensure public accessibility.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
Cultural organisations are navigating financial challenges with creative strategies. Facing fluctuating income, high costs and recent inflationary pressures, these not-for-profit entities are diversifying revenue, investing in technology and expanding their reach with online services, protecting profit.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
- Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
- Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
- Average Wage (2015-2030)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and bottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2025)
- Business Growth (2025)
- Job Growth (2025)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2025)
- Imports/Demand (2025)
- Exports/Revenue (2025)
- Revenue per Employee (2025)
- Wages/Revenue (2025)
- Employees per Establishment (2025)
- Average Wage (2025)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2015-2030)
- IVA (2015-2030)
- Establishments (2015-2030)
- Enterprises (2015-2030)
- Employment (2015-2030)
- Exports (2015-2030)
- Imports (2015-2030)
- Wages (2015-2030)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools.
To learn more about specific data sources used by IBISWorld's analysts globally, including how industry data forecasts are produced, visit our Help Center.
France
Italy
Spain