Quick Overview
- 1#1: TMS - Enterprise-grade collections management system used by major museums worldwide for cataloging, research, and exhibitions.
- 2#2: EMu - Scalable collections management platform with advanced multimedia and research tools for large museums and cultural institutions.
- 3#3: PastPerfect - Affordable all-in-one software for small to mid-sized museums handling collections, archives, and library management.
- 4#4: CollectionSpace - Open-source collections management system designed for museums to manage objects, media, and procedures collaboratively.
- 5#5: Tessitura - Comprehensive CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums and performing arts organizations to manage patrons and events.
- 6#6: Vernon CMS - Flexible collections management system supporting multimedia catalogs, loans, and exhibitions for diverse heritage institutions.
- 7#7: Blackbaud Altru - Cloud-based CRM solution for museums providing fundraising, ticketing, and membership management tools.
- 8#8: Omeka S - Open-source platform for creating and sharing digital collections and online exhibitions with modular plugins.
- 9#9: Specify - Specialized collections management software for natural history museums focusing on biological specimens and fieldwork data.
- 10#10: Arches - Open-source geospatial platform for inventorying and managing immovable cultural heritage resources.
Tools were selected and ranked based on core functionality (cataloging, multimedia support, CRM), technical robustness (scalability, reliability), user-friendliness (intuitive design, training resources), and value (cost-effectiveness, adaptability to institutional size).
Comparison Table
Museum software is essential for managing collections, exhibitions, and daily operations, with options spanning industry leaders and emerging tools. This comparison table examines popular platforms like TMS, EMu, PastPerfect, CollectionSpace, Tessitura, and more, detailing their key features, scalability, and suitability for different institutional needs. Readers will discover insights to align software choices with their specific goals, whether focused on large-scale collections or niche performance tracking.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TMS Enterprise-grade collections management system used by major museums worldwide for cataloging, research, and exhibitions. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | EMu Scalable collections management platform with advanced multimedia and research tools for large museums and cultural institutions. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | PastPerfect Affordable all-in-one software for small to mid-sized museums handling collections, archives, and library management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | CollectionSpace Open-source collections management system designed for museums to manage objects, media, and procedures collaboratively. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | Tessitura Comprehensive CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums and performing arts organizations to manage patrons and events. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Vernon CMS Flexible collections management system supporting multimedia catalogs, loans, and exhibitions for diverse heritage institutions. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Blackbaud Altru Cloud-based CRM solution for museums providing fundraising, ticketing, and membership management tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Omeka S Open-source platform for creating and sharing digital collections and online exhibitions with modular plugins. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Specify Specialized collections management software for natural history museums focusing on biological specimens and fieldwork data. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Arches Open-source geospatial platform for inventorying and managing immovable cultural heritage resources. | other | 7.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
Enterprise-grade collections management system used by major museums worldwide for cataloging, research, and exhibitions.
Scalable collections management platform with advanced multimedia and research tools for large museums and cultural institutions.
Affordable all-in-one software for small to mid-sized museums handling collections, archives, and library management.
Open-source collections management system designed for museums to manage objects, media, and procedures collaboratively.
Comprehensive CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums and performing arts organizations to manage patrons and events.
Flexible collections management system supporting multimedia catalogs, loans, and exhibitions for diverse heritage institutions.
Cloud-based CRM solution for museums providing fundraising, ticketing, and membership management tools.
Open-source platform for creating and sharing digital collections and online exhibitions with modular plugins.
Specialized collections management software for natural history museums focusing on biological specimens and fieldwork data.
Open-source geospatial platform for inventorying and managing immovable cultural heritage resources.
TMS
enterpriseEnterprise-grade collections management system used by major museums worldwide for cataloging, research, and exhibitions.
Unparalleled capacity to manage and research millions of objects with sophisticated taxonomy, authority control, and AI-assisted cataloging.
TMS (The Museum System) by Gallery Systems is a leading enterprise-grade collections management software tailored for museums and cultural institutions worldwide. It provides comprehensive tools for cataloging, tracking, and researching millions of objects, including support for high-resolution images, multimedia, exhibitions, loans, acquisitions, and deaccessions. With robust reporting, workflow automation, and integrations with digital asset management systems, TMS enables institutions to preserve, share, and monetize their collections efficiently.
Pros
- Proven track record with top-tier museums like the Met and Louvre, handling massive collections reliably
- Advanced research, multimedia, and exhibition management tools with seamless integrations
- Highly customizable workflows and scalable for enterprise needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring dedicated training and IT support
- Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Interface can feel dated despite web-based updates
Best For
Large museums and cultural organizations managing extensive, high-value collections that demand robust, scalable software.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on collection size, users, and modules.
EMu
enterpriseScalable collections management platform with advanced multimedia and research tools for large museums and cultural institutions.
Unlimited multimedia attachments and advanced relational graphing for complex object relationships
EMu by Axiell is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade collections management system tailored for museums and cultural heritage institutions. It excels in cataloging artifacts, managing loans, acquisitions, exhibitions, and research workflows while supporting rich multimedia attachments and complex relational data structures. The platform also offers web publishing capabilities for public access and integrates seamlessly with other Axiell products for digital asset management.
Pros
- Extremely robust feature set for large-scale collections with unlimited multimedia support
- Highly customizable workflows and relational data modeling
- Strong integration with web publishing and DAM systems for public engagement
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its complexity and depth
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for smaller institutions
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large museums and cultural institutions with extensive, multimedia-rich collections requiring advanced relational management and scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing based on collection size and modules; typically starts at $50,000+ annually with implementation fees.
PastPerfect
specializedAffordable all-in-one software for small to mid-sized museums handling collections, archives, and library management.
Integrated multimedia cataloging that attaches images, audio, video, and documents directly to artifact records in a single unified database
PastPerfect is a longstanding museum management software suite tailored for small to mid-sized cultural institutions, offering comprehensive tools for collections cataloging, accessioning, deaccessioning, loans, and inventory management. It includes modules for exhibits, research databases, archives, special collections, and public access kiosks, with support for high-resolution images, audio, and video attachments. The software enables detailed reporting, condition checks, and conservation tracking, making it a robust all-in-one solution for museums, historical societies, and nonprofits.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering collections, archives, libraries, and exhibits
- Perpetual licensing model with no recurring fees beyond optional support
- Strong multimedia support and customizable reporting tools
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels less intuitive than modern cloud competitors
- Primarily on-premise deployment requires server maintenance and IT resources
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and setup
Best For
Small to mid-sized museums and historical societies needing a feature-rich, cost-effective on-premise solution for comprehensive collections management.
Pricing
One-time purchase from $4,995 for base PastPerfect Edition (up to $12,000+ with modules), plus $995/year support; PastPerfect Online cloud version starts at $1,200/year.
CollectionSpace
otherOpen-source collections management system designed for museums to manage objects, media, and procedures collaboratively.
Fully open-source architecture enabling unlimited customization without vendor restrictions
CollectionSpace is a free, open-source collections management system designed for museums, archives, and cultural heritage organizations to catalog, track, and manage their collections data. It supports key workflows such as acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, conservation, and research, with strong emphasis on data standards like CIDOC CRM and interoperability with other systems. Deployed as a web-based application, it enables institutions to customize fields, procedures, and interfaces to fit specific needs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing fees
- Highly customizable to match diverse institutional workflows
- Strong compliance with international data standards and APIs for integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance
- Self-hosted model demands IT resources for hosting and updates
- User interface feels dated compared to commercial alternatives
Best For
Tech-savvy museums and cultural institutions prioritizing cost savings, customization, and standards compliance over plug-and-play ease.
Pricing
Free open-source software; implementation costs for hosting, customization, and training typically range from $10,000-$50,000 initially.
Tessitura
enterpriseComprehensive CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums and performing arts organizations to manage patrons and events.
Unified single patron database that powers all modules for seamless, real-time data integration without silos
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise software platform tailored for arts, cultural, and heritage organizations, including museums, offering an integrated suite for ticketing, CRM, fundraising, membership management, and visitor engagement. It unifies operations in a single patron database, enabling seamless data flow across admissions, events, retail, and donor relations. Widely used by major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and LACMA, it supports complex, high-volume operations with robust analytics and customization.
Pros
- All-in-one integration eliminates data silos across ticketing, CRM, and fundraising
- Powerful analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Proven scalability for large institutions with high transaction volumes
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High enterprise-level pricing not suitable for small museums
- Limited flexibility for quick customizations without developer support
Best For
Large museums and cultural institutions with complex, high-volume operations needing a fully integrated enterprise solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on modules, users, and transaction volume; typically starts at $100,000+ annually for mid-sized implementations.
Vernon CMS
specializedFlexible collections management system supporting multimedia catalogs, loans, and exhibitions for diverse heritage institutions.
Single-database management of multiple collection types including objects, archives, photos, and ephemera
Vernon CMS is a robust collections management system tailored for museums, galleries, and cultural heritage institutions, offering comprehensive tools for cataloging objects, archives, photographs, and libraries within a single flexible database. It supports key workflows like exhibitions, loans, conservation, acquisitions, research, and public web publishing, with strong multimedia handling and reporting capabilities. Widely used globally, it emphasizes customization to fit diverse institutional needs.
Pros
- Highly customizable with modular add-ons for specific needs
- Unified database for diverse collection types (objects, archives, libraries)
- Strong support for exhibitions, loans, and multimedia research
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and ongoing costs
- Dated UI in some areas despite updates
Best For
Mid-to-large museums and heritage organizations needing advanced, scalable collections management.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; perpetual licenses or subscriptions typically start at $20,000+ annually, scaling with users, modules, and hosting.
Blackbaud Altru
enterpriseCloud-based CRM solution for museums providing fundraising, ticketing, and membership management tools.
Unified constituent database providing a single 360-degree view of patrons, members, and donors across all interactions
Blackbaud Altru is a cloud-based CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums, performing arts venues, and cultural organizations. It integrates visitor management, membership handling, fundraising, marketing automation, and reporting into a unified system. Altru provides a 360-degree view of patrons, donors, and members to enhance engagement and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integration of CRM, ticketing, fundraising, and membership management in one platform
- Powerful reporting and analytics for data-driven insights
- Strong donor and patron relationship tools with personalized marketing capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High pricing that may not suit smaller museums
- Customization often requires additional support or development
Best For
Mid-sized museums and cultural institutions seeking a comprehensive, integrated CRM for ticketing, fundraising, and patron management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on organization size and modules; typically starts at $5,000–$10,000/month for mid-sized users.
Omeka S
otherOpen-source platform for creating and sharing digital collections and online exhibitions with modular plugins.
API-first architecture enabling seamless data import/export and deep customization for complex digital collections.
Omeka S is an open-source platform developed for museums, libraries, and archives to publish, manage, and curate digital collections online. It supports flexible metadata schemas using standards like Dublin Core and EDM, allowing users to organize items, assets, and vocabularies into sites and exhibits. With an API-first design, it enables advanced search, browsing, and integration with external systems for scholarly and public access.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Highly customizable metadata and vocabulary system
- Robust API for integrations and extensions via modules
Cons
- Requires self-hosting and technical setup knowledge
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive for non-technical users
- Limited built-in support for advanced multimedia or analytics without custom work
Best For
Small to mid-sized museums and academic institutions seeking a flexible, no-cost solution for digital collection publishing and scholarly exhibits.
Pricing
Free open-source software; self-hosting required (server and maintenance costs vary).
Specify
specializedSpecialized collections management software for natural history museums focusing on biological specimens and fieldwork data.
Advanced taxonomy workbench with synonymy resolution and authority control for precise biological nomenclature management
Specify is an open-source collections management software developed for natural history museums, herbaria, and research institutions to catalog and manage biological specimens and cultural artifacts. It offers robust tools for data entry, taxonomy management, querying, reporting, loans tracking, and GIS integration for georeferencing. With support for millions of records, it emphasizes data standards like Darwin Core for interoperability in biodiversity informatics.
Pros
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Handles very large datasets and complex taxonomy effectively
- Strong GIS and reporting capabilities for research needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface
- Primarily desktop client-server model with limited cloud options
- Requires technical expertise for installation and maintenance
Best For
Natural history museums or herbaria with IT-savvy staff managing large scientific collections on a tight budget.
Pricing
Free (open-source); optional paid support and hosting services available.
Arches
otherOpen-source geospatial platform for inventorying and managing immovable cultural heritage resources.
Integrated geospatial engine for creating dynamic maps and performing spatial analyses on cultural heritage datasets
Arches is an open-source, web-based geospatial platform designed specifically for managing cultural heritage data, such as archaeological sites, historic places, and museum collections with spatial components. It enables customizable data models for inventorying resources, advanced mapping, spatial searches, and public-facing portals for sharing heritage information. Primarily targeted at heritage organizations, it excels in geospatial analysis but requires technical expertise for deployment and customization.
Pros
- Powerful geospatial mapping and spatial querying for heritage data
- Fully open-source and highly customizable resource models
- Supports multi-user collaboration and public access portals
Cons
- Complex installation requiring server setup and technical skills
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited built-in support for standard museum workflows like loans, exhibitions, or acquisitions
Best For
Museums and cultural heritage organizations specializing in geospatial inventories of sites, landscapes, or location-based collections.
Pricing
Free and open-source; self-hosted with no licensing fees, but requires infrastructure costs.
Conclusion
The top 10 museum software review showcases exceptional tools, with TMS standing out as the enterprise leader, trusted by major institutions for seamless collections management and collaboration. EMu follows as a scalable choice for handling large multimedia needs, while PastPerfect proves invaluable for small to mid-sized operations with its affordable, all-in-one solutions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience TMS—its robust capabilities make it the ideal companion for museums aiming to optimize workflows, enhance research, and elevate exhibitions.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison