Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tessitura - Comprehensive enterprise platform offering ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools tailored for museums and performing arts organizations.
- 2#2: AudienceView - Professional ticketing, CRM, and digital engagement solution designed for arts, culture, and museum institutions worldwide.
- 3#3: Blackbaud Altru - All-in-one cloud-based CRM and ticketing system optimized for nonprofits, museums, and cultural organizations to manage admissions and donor relationships.
- 4#4: Gateway Ticketing Systems - Advanced ticketing and admission control software with hardware integration for high-volume museums, zoos, and attractions.
- 5#5: PastPerfect - Integrated museum management software featuring online ticketing, admissions, and collections management for small to mid-sized museums.
- 6#6: OvationTix - User-friendly cloud ticketing and marketing platform for theaters, museums, and performing arts groups of all sizes.
- 7#7: Timely - Modern booking and ticketing system for museums, attractions, and visitor experiences with dynamic pricing and inventory management.
- 8#8: Arts People - CRM-centric ticketing and fundraising software built specifically for arts organizations and museums.
- 9#9: Theatre Manager - Flexible ticketing, CRM, and box office management software suitable for museums, theaters, and performing arts venues.
- 10#10: Access Reservations - Ticketing and reservation system integrated with CRM for heritage sites, museums, and visitor attractions.
Tools were chosen based on robust functionality, seamless integration with museum workflows (including CRM, fundraising, and admissions), user-friendliness, and value proposition, ensuring relevance across sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores museum ticketing software options, including Tessitura, AudienceView, Blackbaud Altru, Gateway Ticketing Systems, PastPerfect, and more, offering insights to help identify the right tool for seamless sales, visitor management, and engagement.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessitura Comprehensive enterprise platform offering ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools tailored for museums and performing arts organizations. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | AudienceView Professional ticketing, CRM, and digital engagement solution designed for arts, culture, and museum institutions worldwide. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Blackbaud Altru All-in-one cloud-based CRM and ticketing system optimized for nonprofits, museums, and cultural organizations to manage admissions and donor relationships. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | Gateway Ticketing Systems Advanced ticketing and admission control software with hardware integration for high-volume museums, zoos, and attractions. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | PastPerfect Integrated museum management software featuring online ticketing, admissions, and collections management for small to mid-sized museums. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | OvationTix User-friendly cloud ticketing and marketing platform for theaters, museums, and performing arts groups of all sizes. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Timely Modern booking and ticketing system for museums, attractions, and visitor experiences with dynamic pricing and inventory management. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Arts People CRM-centric ticketing and fundraising software built specifically for arts organizations and museums. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | Theatre Manager Flexible ticketing, CRM, and box office management software suitable for museums, theaters, and performing arts venues. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Access Reservations Ticketing and reservation system integrated with CRM for heritage sites, museums, and visitor attractions. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise platform offering ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools tailored for museums and performing arts organizations.
Professional ticketing, CRM, and digital engagement solution designed for arts, culture, and museum institutions worldwide.
All-in-one cloud-based CRM and ticketing system optimized for nonprofits, museums, and cultural organizations to manage admissions and donor relationships.
Advanced ticketing and admission control software with hardware integration for high-volume museums, zoos, and attractions.
Integrated museum management software featuring online ticketing, admissions, and collections management for small to mid-sized museums.
User-friendly cloud ticketing and marketing platform for theaters, museums, and performing arts groups of all sizes.
Modern booking and ticketing system for museums, attractions, and visitor experiences with dynamic pricing and inventory management.
CRM-centric ticketing and fundraising software built specifically for arts organizations and museums.
Flexible ticketing, CRM, and box office management software suitable for museums, theaters, and performing arts venues.
Ticketing and reservation system integrated with CRM for heritage sites, museums, and visitor attractions.
Tessitura
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise platform offering ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing tools tailored for museums and performing arts organizations.
Unified patron database that seamlessly connects ticketing, CRM, and fundraising for 360-degree patron insights
Tessitura is a comprehensive enterprise software platform designed for museums, performing arts, and cultural organizations, providing end-to-end management of ticketing, customer relationships, fundraising, memberships, and marketing. It features a unified database that centralizes patron data for personalized experiences and real-time analytics. With robust tools for dynamic pricing, group sales, and accessibility options, it supports large-scale operations while ensuring seamless visitor engagement from online reservations to on-site check-in.
Pros
- Fully integrated CRM, ticketing, and fundraising in a single unified database
- Scalable for high-volume museums with advanced analytics and reporting
- Customizable workflows and dynamic pricing for optimized revenue
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation costs and long deployment times
- Custom pricing can be prohibitive for smaller museums
Best For
Large museums and cultural institutions needing a holistic, enterprise-grade solution for ticketing integrated with CRM and donor management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically ranging from $100,000+ annually based on organization size, transaction volume, and modules, with one-time implementation fees.
AudienceView
enterpriseProfessional ticketing, CRM, and digital engagement solution designed for arts, culture, and museum institutions worldwide.
Dynamic pricing engine with real-time revenue optimization and AI-driven insights
AudienceView is a comprehensive enterprise-grade ticketing, CRM, and revenue management platform tailored for museums, performing arts venues, and cultural organizations. It streamlines online, box office, and mobile ticketing while integrating customer data for personalized marketing, fundraising, and subscriptions. The solution excels in analytics, dynamic pricing, and self-service patron portals to enhance visitor engagement and maximize revenue.
Pros
- Integrated CRM and ticketing for seamless customer journey management
- Advanced analytics and dynamic pricing to optimize revenue
- Robust mobile apps and self-service options for patrons
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive training
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Overly complex for small museums without IT support
Best For
Mid-to-large museums and cultural institutions needing an all-in-one enterprise solution for complex ticketing, CRM, and fundraising.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; annual subscriptions typically start at $50,000+ based on venue size, transaction volume, and modules.
Blackbaud Altru
enterpriseAll-in-one cloud-based CRM and ticketing system optimized for nonprofits, museums, and cultural organizations to manage admissions and donor relationships.
Deep integration of ticketing with CRM and fundraising for holistic patron relationship management
Blackbaud Altru is a cloud-based CRM and ticketing platform tailored for museums, performing arts, and cultural organizations, enabling seamless online ticket sales, reservations, and membership management. It integrates donor tracking, fundraising tools, and marketing automation to provide a 360-degree view of patrons, helping museums personalize experiences and drive revenue. Advanced reporting and analytics further support data-driven decisions for visitor engagement and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising in one platform
- Robust reporting, analytics, and segmentation tools for patron insights
- Scalable for mid-to-large organizations with strong mobile and online capabilities
Cons
- High custom pricing that may not suit smaller museums
- Steep learning curve and requires significant training
- Implementation can be lengthy and resource-intensive
Best For
Mid-to-large museums and cultural institutions needing an all-in-one CRM-ticketing solution for donor management and visitor engagement.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on organization size and features; typically starts at $5,000+ per month with annual contracts.
Gateway Ticketing Systems
enterpriseAdvanced ticketing and admission control software with hardware integration for high-volume museums, zoos, and attractions.
Advanced dynamic pricing engine that automatically adjusts ticket prices based on demand, capacity, and historical data to maximize revenue.
Gateway Ticketing Systems offers the Galaxy platform, a robust enterprise-grade ticketing and reservation management solution tailored for museums, zoos, aquariums, and cultural attractions. It handles admissions, dynamic pricing, memberships, group bookings, POS retail, and CRM functions with real-time analytics and reporting. The system supports seamless integrations with access control hardware, kiosks, and third-party tools to streamline operations for high-volume venues.
Pros
- Comprehensive features like dynamic pricing, CRM, and real-time capacity management
- Strong hardware integrations for turnstiles, kiosks, and handheld devices
- Proven scalability for high-volume attractions with reliable uptime
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring professional services
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller museums
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large museums and cultural institutions with complex pricing structures, high attendance, and a need for integrated access control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $25,000+ annually for mid-sized venues, scaling with modules, users, and transaction volume.
PastPerfect
specializedIntegrated museum management software featuring online ticketing, admissions, and collections management for small to mid-sized museums.
Deep integration of ticketing data with museum collections database for unified visitor and artifact management
PastPerfect is a comprehensive museum management software suite from pastperfectsoftware.com that includes ticketing and admissions as one of its core modules alongside collections cataloging, library/archives management, and POS functionality. It enables museums to sell admissions, memberships, group tickets, and gift shop items through an integrated point-of-sale system with reporting capabilities. While versatile for small institutions, its ticketing features are more basic and tied to an on-premise Windows-based platform rather than a standalone modern ticketing solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration with collections management and other museum operations
- Perpetual licensing model avoids high recurring fees
- Reliable basic ticketing for admissions, memberships, and POS sales
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface feels clunky and outdated
- Limited advanced ticketing like timed entry, dynamic pricing, or robust e-commerce integrations
- Primarily on-premise deployment lacks cloud scalability for larger venues
Best For
Small to mid-sized museums needing an affordable all-in-one system for collections and basic ticketing rather than high-volume advanced sales.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,995 for base Museum module, $5,000-$15,000+ for full suite including ticketing; optional annual support ~20% of license cost.
OvationTix
specializedUser-friendly cloud ticketing and marketing platform for theaters, museums, and performing arts groups of all sizes.
Patron360 CRM with deep donor tracking and fundraising integration
OvationTix is a robust cloud-based ticketing and CRM platform primarily tailored for performing arts venues but adaptable for museums handling events, exhibitions, and timed-entry ticketing. It provides tools for online sales, box office management, patron data analytics, marketing automation, and fundraising. The software supports membership programs, group bookings, and detailed reporting to enhance visitor engagement and revenue.
Pros
- Powerful integrated CRM for patron management and segmentation
- Flexible ticketing options including timed entries and season passes suitable for museum events
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Interface has a steeper learning curve, especially for non-arts users
- Less specialized for static museum exhibits compared to dedicated solutions
- Pricing lacks transparency and can escalate with transaction volume
Best For
Mid-sized museums with performing arts components, events, or strong donor programs needing advanced CRM alongside ticketing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; includes setup fees ($2,000+), monthly subscriptions ($500-$2,000+ depending on scale), and per-transaction fees (~2.9% + $0.30).
Timely
specializedModern booking and ticketing system for museums, attractions, and visitor experiences with dynamic pricing and inventory management.
Customizable booking widgets and waitlist management that automatically fill canceled slots
Timely (gettimely.com) is a cloud-based appointment scheduling and booking software primarily designed for service businesses, offering online booking, calendar management, and payment processing that can be adapted for museum timed-entry ticketing. It allows visitors to book slots via customizable widgets embedded on websites, with features like automated reminders and waitlists to handle demand. While user-friendly, it lacks deep specialization for high-volume museum operations such as capacity zoning or exhibit-specific allocations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar for easy timed slot management
- Seamless payment integrations (Stripe, PayPal) for ticket sales
- Mobile app and automated SMS/email reminders reduce no-shows
Cons
- No native support for memberships, annual passes, or group bookings
- Limited scalability and reporting for high-volume venue attendance
- Absence of museum-specific tools like capacity limits per exhibit or POS integrations
Best For
Small museums or galleries needing simple, affordable online timed-entry booking without advanced CRM or analytics requirements.
Pricing
Starts at $29/user/month (Starter plan) up to $129+/user/month (Established); billed annually with a 14-day free trial; enterprise custom pricing.
Arts People
specializedCRM-centric ticketing and fundraising software built specifically for arts organizations and museums.
PatronVault CRM integration that unifies ticketing data with donor and membership records for personalized engagement
Arts People is a comprehensive CRM and ticketing software tailored for arts and cultural organizations, including museums, offering online ticket sales, reservations, membership management, and fundraising tools. It provides a 360-degree view of patrons through integrated marketing automation and reporting features. The platform streamlines museum operations by combining ticketing with donor engagement and event management in a single system.
Pros
- Integrated CRM with ticketing for full patron lifecycle management
- Flexible reservation and group booking options suitable for museums
- Robust reporting and analytics for attendance and revenue insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Pricing is custom and often high for smaller museums
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized museums and cultural institutions needing an all-in-one CRM-ticketing solution with strong fundraising capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$15,000 annually depending on ticket volume and features.
Theatre Manager
specializedFlexible ticketing, CRM, and box office management software suitable for museums, theaters, and performing arts venues.
Integrated fundraising and CRM module that ties donor data directly to ticketing history for personalized museum patron engagement
Theatre Manager from Arts Management Systems is a robust, all-in-one ticketing, CRM, and fundraising software primarily designed for performing arts organizations but adaptable for museums handling events, exhibitions, and visitor ticketing. It supports online sales, timed reservations, group bookings, membership management, and detailed patron tracking to enhance visitor experiences and revenue streams. While not exclusively museum-focused, it provides flexible seating charts for galleries or events and strong reporting tools for operational insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of ticketing, CRM, and fundraising in one platform
- Flexible reservation and seating tools adaptable for museum exhibits and events
- Powerful reporting and patron data management for targeted marketing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and dated interface
- Lacks some museum-specific tools like exhibit-specific inventory or audio guide integration
- Custom pricing can be high for smaller museums without scaling discounts
Best For
Mid-sized museums with event programming or those seeking an integrated solution for ticketing, memberships, and donor management.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on venue size and seats; typically $10,000-$50,000 one-time license plus 20% annual support fee, or subscription options starting around $2,000/month.
Access Reservations
enterpriseTicketing and reservation system integrated with CRM for heritage sites, museums, and visitor attractions.
Advanced CRM that unifies visitor data across bookings, memberships, and donations for personalized engagement
Access Reservations, from The Access Group, is a robust cloud-based ticketing and reservation platform tailored for museums, visitor attractions, and cultural sites. It handles online ticket sales, timed entry bookings, group reservations, memberships, and donations with integrated CRM and reporting tools. The software streamlines front-of-house operations, including point-of-sale and access control, helping museums optimize visitor flow and revenue.
Pros
- Comprehensive ticketing with timed entries and group bookings
- Strong CRM integration for membership and donor tracking
- Reliable scalability for mid-sized venues with good uptime
Cons
- Dated user interface that may require training
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive
- Limited out-of-box customizations without developer support
Best For
Mid-sized museums needing an integrated CRM and ticketing system for complex visitor management.
Pricing
Custom quote based on venue size and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ annually with add-ons.
Conclusion
The top museum ticketing software options deliver exceptional value, with Tessitura leading as the comprehensive enterprise platform that seamlessly integrates ticketing, CRM, fundraising, and marketing. AudienceView shines with its global digital engagement tools, and Blackbaud Altru offers a robust cloud-based system optimized for nonprofits, each serving distinct organizational needs. Together, they redefine how museums manage visitor experiences and connect with audiences.
Explore Tessitura to discover a solution that aligns with your museum's unique goals, streamlines operations, and enhances long-term success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison