DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Henry Ford and its combination of attractions nearly set an attendance record in 2019, with more than 1.8 million guests visiting the campus.
According to the museum, the highest attendance for the institution came in 2012 when 1.9 million people visited and they had the very popular Titanic exhibit.
Two of the signature programs – Hallowe'en and Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village – both exceeded attendance goals and set the second-highest attendance ever, more than 168,000 people combined. On top of that, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour also had its second-highest attendance ever with more than 150,000 visitors.
“At The Henry Ford, our greatest strengths are our collections, venues and of course, our people,” said Patricia Mooradian, president & CEO of The Henry Ford. “We have embraced an entrepreneurial spirit that is driving our mission and business forward and I’m most proud of the impact we are making not only within our community but throughout our great state and the world.”
They also saw a large increase in out-of-state visitation, up 37 percent. They said that is linked to their partnership with Pure Michigan and two nationally-televised shows – "The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation" and "Did I Mention Invention?"
There are also major plans for 2020, including the opening of the Plum Market Kitchen in February, as well as the Midwest premiere of the exhibition "Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes" in March, the permanent exhibition "Driven to Win" in June an "Apollo: When We Went to the Moon" in October. They are also planning major guest speakers and permanent amenities and exhibitions.
