Thanks to all those who responded to my request for information about museum
districts across the US.  The definition of "museum district" varies, so
there are a variety of reasons for existence, from marketing collaborative
to taxation.  As promised, I have compiled the information you provided to
share with the list.  Though there are more districts out there than on this
list, it is a start.  If you have any additions or corrections, let me know.
Again, thank you for the information.

Roxana Adams, Assistant Director
Technical Information Service
An AAM Institutional Member Benefit!
Museum Advancement & Excellence
American Association of Museums
1575 Eye St., NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
ph.  202-289-9121
fax: 202-289-6578
email: [log in to unmask]


Draft Museum District Listing

St. Louis, Missouri: St. Louis Zoo-Museum Tax District, which is a
governmental body that has taxing authority to impose taxes in St. Louis
County and city to support 5 institutions. These are the zoo, Science
Center, Art Museum, History Museum and Botanical Garden. All are private
organization receiving public funds.

The Zoo-Museum tax board meets once annually to review the budgets of each
institution.  Each institution has its own sub-board that meets quarterly to
review the budget and spending of their institution. If this is what you are
looking for, The only staff person is an accountant, I think.

Denver, Colorado has a tax district similar to St. Louis'.

Wichita, Kansas: "Museums on the River." The group is composed of The
Wichita Art Museum, Old Cowtown Museum, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens,
Mid-America All Indian Center Museum, Society of Decorative Painters Museum.
This group of museums along the Arkansas River (that's pronounced Ar-kansas,
not Ark-ansaw) was organized over 10 years ago and has an annual event.

Kenosha, Wisconsin is trying to create a "museum district" as part of their
lakefront redevelopment.  They are building a new home for the Kenosha
Public Museum, the Historical Society is slated to move to the area, a
restored lighthouse and keeper's quarters is near the site and the mayor
would like one or two other museums eventually.

Louisville Kentucky: There seems to be conscious effort to establish museums
and galleries to a restored Main Street -- Louisville Science Center,
Louisville Slugger, Kentucky Arts and Crafts Gallery, and the Muhammad Ali
museum.

Chicago, Illinois: "Museums in the Park" district, focusing on the nine
cultural institutions on Chicago Park District land.  These include the
Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Museum
of Science and Industry, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, DuSable Museum of
African American History, Chicago Historical Society, Chicago Academy of
Science (Peggy Notebaert Museum), and The Art Institute of Chicago.  These
institutions join together to offer a variety of programs.

Houston, Texas: Houston Museum District Association's purpose is to
"increase the public awareness and enjoyment of the cultural riches offered
by the participating museums which include the Children's Museum of Houston,
Contemporary Arts Museum, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of
Natural Science, Jung Education Center, Houston Zoo, Lawndale Art Center,
The Menil Collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum of Health and
Medical Science, and Rice University Art Gallery.

Richmond, Virginia:  The "museum row" collaboration. Virginia Museum of Fine
Arts is probably the best contact.

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