Manchester Museum shortlisted for European Museum of the Year

27 Nov 2024

Manchester Museum has been announced as one of the nominees for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2025.

The annual European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and Manchester Museum, which is part of The University of Manchester, will compete against 41 museums from across the continent.

The nomination is a reflection on the Museum’s recent, values-led transformation, which led the New York Times to hail its ‘pivot to empathy-machine’. Described as the most ambitious museum transformation in a generation, it has been underpinned by a £15 million redevelopment, which was completed in February 2023.

Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field. It aims to recognise museums that promote inter-cultural dialogue and community participation, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, and show creative and imaginative approaches to the production of knowledge.

The winner will be announced in Białistok, Poland on 25 May 2025. Aside from the main prize, there are also categories that recognise Institutional Courage and Professional Integrity, Community Participation and Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, and Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging.

Manchester Museum Director Esme Ward said: "This nomination means an awful lot to the whole team at Manchester Museum because it recognises our efforts to make this a place where everyone belongs. The Museum’s redevelopment was about much more than just bricks and mortar, it was about transforming our spaces and our approach to ensure we’re the museum our city and communities need us to be."