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Search is on for Museum of the Year 2025
Museums, galleries and heritage sites have until 27 January to apply for Art Fund award
The search is on for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025.
The UK’s 2,500 museums, galleries and heritage sites have until 27 January 2025 to put themselves forward for next year's award.
Prize money of £120,000 will go to the winning museum, while the remaining four finalists will each receive £15,000, bringing the total pot to £180,000.
Art Fund says it is seeking applications from any UK museum, gallery or historic place, whatever their scale, for "outstanding and inspiring projects" between autumn 2023 through to winter 2024.
Next year, in addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, the judges will be asked to identify "impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of people that bring museums to life, including museum staff, by engaging with and working meaningfully alongside communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives".
A shortlist of five museums will be announced in early May 2025 and the winner will be revealed in late June at an award ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool, the first time the event will be held outside of London.
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“Art Fund Museum of the Year celebrates the exceptional power of the UK’s leading museums and the vital role they play in their communities," said Jenny Waldman, Art Fund director and the award's chair of judges.
"This year, we’re shining a light on the inspiring individuals who make these spaces so valuable and welcoming to the many audiences they serve. We encourage museums of all sizes, from every corner of the country, that are engaging with their communities in innovative ways, to apply.”
The 2024 prize went to Young V&A in east London, which was commended for empowering children and young people, and centring its redevelopment on creativity and play.
The Museum of the Year award complements Art Fund’s charitable programme in support of museums, which includes grant giving, support and partnerships.