National Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru) has published a report setting out the role of its seven museums during the recession.
Michael Houlihan, director General of National Museum Wales (NMW), said: "A Positive Contribution to Life in Wales during the Recession is a culmination of over a year's research, and sets out how Amgueddfa Cymru has a key role to play in supporting the Welsh economy."
The report cites an independent study by the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff University, which estimates that NMW's "total economic impact is . . . £53m of gross value added, associated with over 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs".
A spokesman for the Welsh Economy Research Unit added: "The £53m figure is a result of the operational spending of NMW, the spending of its staff and the spending of visitors levered into the region by the museums."
The report also outlines NMW's plans for a national museum of art on the first floor of the National Museum in Cardiff, which is scheduled for completion by 2011. The new museum is the first phase of the National Gallery for Wales development.
Chris Delaney, president of the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales, said: "With the recession and projected budget cuts, museums need to demonstrate a greater significance - and this will help."