Search begins for ‘boundary-pushing’ Museum of the Year 2026

The search is on for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026.  

The national art charity is seeking applications from any UK museum, gallery, historic house, library or archive, whatever their scale, for “outstanding and inspiring projects” between autumn 2024 and winter 2025.

The winning museum will receive £120,000, while each of the four runners up will get £20,000 – an increase of £5,000 for each finalist compared to the 2025 prize pot.

For the 2026 edition of the prize, in addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, judges have been asked to evaluate museums that “through unexpected, innovative and forward-thinking practices, are pushing the boundaries of what a museum is or can achieve”. 

Any UK based public museum, gallery, historic place, library or archive which has spaces for the public to visit and experience the visual arts or other object-based collections can apply.  

Art Fund is keen to hear about projects and activities that respond to any or all of the following focus areas: 

• Re-addressing how spaces or collections are presented to better serve diverse audiences and visitors 
• Harnessing partnerships and developing talent, skills and opportunity for a sustainable future 
• Exemplary community engagement, either through exhibition storytelling, or programming with a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion 

The shortlist of five finalists will be announced in April 2026 and the winner will be revealed on 25 June at an award ceremony at the Cutty Sark, part of Royal Museums Greenwich, in south-east London.

“Art Fund Museum of the Year gets to the heart of what makes a truly outstanding museum,” said Jenny Waldman, Art Fund director and chair of the Museum of the Year judging panel.

“The world's largest museum prize, powered by our National Art Pass members, Art Fund Museum of the Year champions the vital role museums play in inspiring creativity, supporting wellbeing and enriching communities everywhere.

“As we open applications for the 13th year, we’re excited to hear from museums of all sizes, in every corner of the country, who are pushing boundaries and redefining what a museum can be.”

The 2025 prize was awarded to Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham. Beamish chief executive Rhiannon Hiles was presented with the £120,000 prize at a ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool.

Hiles said: “Art Fund Museum of the Year has brought many new opportunities and connections, highlighting the museum’s innovative work on a world stage, as a beating heart of the north-east and an inclusive and welcoming space. The prize money will bring a real impact, allowing us to invest in our health and wellbeing programmes, and in our people, as well as widen access to learning activities.”

Art Fund Museum of the Year is part of Art Fund’s charitable programme in support of museums, which includes grant giving, support and partnerships.