Art Fund Museum of the Year is the world’s largest museum prize
Every year, Art Fund shortlists five outstanding museums for Art Fund Museum of the Year.
The prize champions what museums do, encourages more people to visit, and gets to the heart of what makes a truly memorable museum.
This year, our judges are tasked with evaluating museums who, through unexpected, innovative and forward-thinking practices, are pushing the boundaries of what a museum is or can achieve.
Our judges for 2026
Our experienced and passionate panel of judges are responsible for selecting the shortlist of five museums and deciding who will win Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026.
Meet last year's winner
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, was announced as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 at a ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool on 26 June.
Find out more
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is a renowned open-air museum in County Durham that brings North East England's Georgian, Edwardian, 1940s and 1950s history to life through immersive exhibits. Visitors engage with costumed staff and volunteers and experience regional stories of everyday life.
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