Museums in Skipton, Dundee, Manchester and London will compete for the 2024 Museum of the Year award.
Three of this year’s five shortlisted museums have undergone major renovations, only reopening in the last 18 months.
The shortlisted institutions cover museums spanning portraits, natural history, science, textiles, fine art and children’s creativity spaces.
The winner, announced on 10 July, will receive £120,000, while £15,000 will be given to each of the other four finalists.
- Author, Steven McIntosh
- Role, Entertainment reporter
Described as the world’s largest museum prize, the shortlist for Museum of the Year was announced by Art Fund, the UK’s national charity for art.
The prize recognises projects open to the public from autumn 2022 through to winter 2023.
Organisers say they particularly focus on community engagement, sustainable ways of working and reinvention when selecting the shortlist.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman, the director of Art Fund, described the shortlist as “shining examples of the impact museums are making locally and nationally”.
“Each of our finalists truly has something for everyone and all have community at the very heart of their programming,” she said.
“Their commitment to innovative partnerships whilst operating within an extremely challenging funding environment is incredible, and I’m so pleased to see the way they support and centre young people through their work.”
The shortlisted museums are:
Craven Museum (Skipton, North Yorkshire)
The Craven Museum is embedded in Skipton Town Hall’s cultural hub, and covers archaeology, textiles, fine art, literature and social history from pre-history to the present day.
Dundee Contemporary Arts (Dundee)
With two art galleries, a two-screen cinema, a print studio and learning programme, Dundee Contemporary Arts is one of Scotland’s most prestigious arts organisations.
Manchester Museum (Manchester)
The 130-year-old Manchester Museum reopened in February 2023 following an extensive renovation, and is home to around 4.5 million objects from natural sciences and human cultures.
National Portrait Gallery (London)
Six centuries of portraiture are encompassed at the National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in June 2023 following a major three-year transformation project.
Young V&A, Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
Formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A was created with and for children and young people with the intention of encouraging creativity with spaces to imagine, play and design. It reopened in July 2023.