This study examines the impact of government size, financial support, and financial development on the economic growth of Chinese museums, using panel data from 34 regions. As the tertiary industry gains prominence in China, museums, essential for cultural dissemination and economic value in tourism and cultural industries, are increasingly in focus. Findings reveal that moderate government size and robust financial support positively influence museum development, making financial backing essential for fostering innovation and market-oriented growth. This research provides a theoretical basis for policymakers, advocating optimized government support and market-driven reforms to further advance China’s museum sector.