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Museums Vie for Prestigious Art Fund Prize
20 Apr
Summary
- Five UK museums are shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum Of The Year.
- The prize includes a £120,000 award for the winner.
- The winning museum will be announced on June 25 in London.
The race for the Art Fund Museum Of The Year 2026 title is on, with five distinguished museums shortlisted for the coveted award and its £120,000 prize. Among the contenders are Norwich Castle Museum And Art Gallery, Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, The Box in Plymouth, and London's National Gallery and V&A East Storehouse.
These institutions were celebrated for their extraordinary creativity, innovation, and connection with communities. From showcasing world-leading collections to engaging audiences with ambitious exhibitions, each finalist offers unique experiences. The Art Fund prize, supported by National Art Pass members, highlights the essential contributions of museums.
The National Gallery, founded in 1824, houses paintings from the late 13th to early 20th centuries and recently celebrated its bicentenary. The V&A East Storehouse, which opened last May, features the David Bowie Centre, housing the singer's archive and offering visitors insight into museum operations.
Norwich Castle Museum And Art Gallery has undergone significant redevelopment to enhance accessibility and present 12th-century life. The Box in Plymouth, a museum, gallery, and archive, marks its fifth anniversary, dedicated to telling the city's history. The Fitzwilliam Museum, the University of Cambridge's principal museum since 1816, continues to evolve its collections.
The winner will be announced on June 25 at a ceremony held at Cutty Sark in London. Each of the four runners-up will receive £20,000, acknowledging their significant achievements in the museum sector.
