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MOA reports attendance and economic impacts after Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit; previews 2026 season
Summary
MOA board president Claire Rolfs and executive director Lori Winters told the council the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit drew new visitors and memberships, the organization reached 345,000 annual attendees across venues, reported a cost per visitor of $7.78, and estimated a $3.1 million economic impact for the community.
Representatives from the MOA (Museum/organization) presented a year‑in‑review to the Common Council, highlighting the success of a recent Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition and previewing upcoming exhibits and events for 2026.
Claire Rolfs, the MOA board president, said the Wright exhibit brought 1,400 new visitors and drove new memberships. The museum reported membership and visitor growth across counties and states, digital reach from advertising campaigns, and an annual attendance figure of approximately 345,000 across its venues. Staff presented a relatively low cost‑per‑visitor figure ($7.78) and an estimated $3.1 million economic impact to the community from museum activities.
The presenters also previewed Chalk Fest and planned exhibits for 2026, including an American landscape show and a Lewis Hine photography exhibit. Council members thanked the MOA for partnering with the city and congratulated the staff on the exhibit’s reach.
The MOA representatives declined to assign specific city funding during the presentation; the report was informational and received with thanks from the council.
