Application deadline extended for European Museum of the Year Award

The deadline has been extended for applications to the European Museum of the Year Award (Emya) 2026.

Museums now have until 5 May to put themselves forward for the awards, which recognise excellence in the European museum scene.

The awards are open to all not-for-profit museums in Europe that have opened or been substantially renewed since January 2021.

Temporary or semi-permanent exhibitions may also apply. The museum or exhibition must be open in time for a judging visit in summer to early autumn 2025, and needs to remain accessible until at least the end of June 2026.

The award scheme is run by the European Museum Forum. In addition to the two main prizes (the Emya and the Council of Europe Museum Prize), nominees that make the longlist will also be in the running for a number of honours.

These include the Kenneth Hudson Award for Institutional Courage and Professional Integrity; the Silletto Prize for Community Participation and Engagement; the Meyvaert Museum Prize for Environmental Sustainability; and the Portimão Museum Prize for Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging.

Special commendations are also given to nominees that have developed a new and innovative approach in specific aspects of their public service.

Each applicant on the longlist will receive a visit from a member of the jury in the summer involving a guided tour of the museum. The museums that are shortlisted for one of the main awards will then receive another visit, this time anonymous, from a member of the jury.

Applicants will find out in January 2026 whether they have been shortlisted.

All nominees are invited to present their museum at the annual conference and attend the award ceremony, which is likely to take place in May 2026.

The winners of this year's awards are due to be revealed at the Emya 2025 Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony in Białystok, Poland from 21 to 25 May 2025. Two UK institutions are in the running for awards this year: Manchester Museum and the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich.

The Sámi Museum Siida in Finland was named the overall winner of Emya 2024.