Executive Summary:

The International Dragon Museum (IDM) is a visionary cultural institution designed to explore, preserve, and celebrate the global legacy of dragons—mythical creatures that have captured the human imagination across civilizations for thousands of years. Through historical artifacts, folklore, contemporary art, and interactive exhibits, the museum will trace the diverse roles dragons have played in cultures from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

We propose establishing the museum in either Washington, D.C.—the U.S. capital and a global hub for international culture and diplomacy—or New York City, one of the world’s foremost centers for tourism, the arts, and multicultural engagement. Both cities offer high visibility, strong infrastructure, and access to millions of annual visitors.

The IDM will function as a major cultural landmark, educational center, and tourism magnet. It will foster global collaboration with museums, scholars, and artists worldwide while offering immersive exhibitions, rotating cultural showcases, and educational programming for all ages.

Vision Statement:

To be the world’s leading center for the celebration and exploration of dragons across cultures, inspiring wonder, scholarship, and global cultural appreciation.—Mission StatementTo educate, engage, and inspire audiences by presenting the dragon as a shared symbol of myth, power, and imagination across human history—through exhibitions, research, storytelling, and intercultural collaboration.—

Goals

Cultural Education – Present the historical and mythological significance of dragons in a scholarly yet accessible format.

Tourism & Economic Impact – Establish the IDM as a major attraction in Washington, D.C. or New York City.

Global Partnerships – Collaborate with international museums, embassies, universities, and artists.

Innovation – Incorporate interactive technologies, virtual exhibits, and multimedia storytelling.

Sustainability – Operate with a commitment to environmental, financial, and cultural sustainability.—

Target Market

Tourists – Domestic and international travelers seeking unique cultural experiences.

Educators & Students – K–12 schools, universities, and homeschool networks.

Families & Children – Engaging exhibits and dragon-themed play zones.

Scholars & Researchers – Mythology, anthropology, art history, folklore.

Fantasy Fans – Avid followers of fantasy fiction, movies, gaming, and pop culture.

Exhibit Highlights

Dragons of the East – Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian traditions.

European Fire & Lore – Dragons in medieval tales, heraldry, and Christian allegory.

Viking dragonry – Dragons of the seas.

Indigenous & African Serpents – Mythical creatures from pre-Columbian, African, and Pacific Island traditions.

Dragons in Modern Culture – From Tolkien and Game of Thrones to anime and video games.

Immersive Experiences – AR/VR dragon flights, digital storytelling caves, and build-a-dragon workshops.

Book store

Location Strategy

Option 1: Washington, D.C.

Proximity to Smithsonian, National Mall, and embassies.

Strong alignment with international diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Access to school groups, tourists, and academic institutions.

Option 2: New York City

Unparalleled tourism volume (over 60 million visitors annually).

Cultural synergy with the Museum Mile and global art scene.

Strong media presence and funding opportunities.

FUNDRAISING:

A mix of high-level investors and grassroots buy-in.