MUSEUM OF THE YEAR - Smith Greenfield

Finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 have been announced today. The shortlisted museums for the world’s largest museum prize are:

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Located in Pollok Country Park and housing the 9,000-object collection of Sir William and Constance Burrell, the Burrell Collection was officially reopened by King Charles in October 2022 following a major refurbishment and redisplay, designed to celebrate diversity through the museum’s rich and varied collection and create the most accessible, inclusive and sustainable fine and decorative arts museum in the world.

Leighton House, London

Leighton House is the spectacular former studio-home of leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. A public museum since 1900, Leighton House reopened in October 20-22 following its transformational ‘Hidden Gem to National Treasure’ redevelopment.

The MAC, Belfast

Northern Ireland’s leading art centre, the MAC is celebrating ten years of being a key driver in Belfast’s social, physical and economic regeneration by enabling people to imagine, create, enjoy and participate in outstanding art. The MAC galleries bring major international artists to a local audience, often for the first time, and position Northern Irish artists within an international context.

Natural History Museum, London

As well as being the UK’s most visited indoor attraction, the Natural History Museum is a world-leading science research centre. It is the custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections, comprising over 80 million specimens, and the Museum’s 350 scientists are focused on finding solutions that balance humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.

Scapa Flow Museum, Orkney

Following eight years of fundraising and four years of project development, the Scapa Flow Museum opened on Orkney in 2022 to tell the story of the island during the world wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, when it became essential to Britain’s defence.

The winning museum will be announced at ceremony at London’s British Museum on 12 July. Judges for the 2023 prize are: Jenny Waldman (Art Fund Director and Chair of the judging panel); Larry Achiampong, artist; Mary Beard, historian and broadcaster; Abadesi Osunsade, Art Fund Trustee, author and owner of Hustle Crew, and Laura Pye, Director, National Museums Liverpool.

The winning museum will receive £120,000 and £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists. The prize money has been increased for 2023 and beyond to mark 120 years of Art Fund supporting museums.

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman said: “The five Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 finalists are at the top of their game, offering inspirational collections and programmes for their communities, for visitors form across the UK and around the world. From transformational redevelopment to community involvement to addressing the major issues of today, the shortlisted museums may operate at very different scales, but all show astonishing ambition and boundless creativity. Each is a blueprint for future innovation in museums. Visit them if you possibly can!”

For further information: artfund.org

Smith Greenfield provides specialist insurance for museums. To discuss specialist museum insurance or historic buildings insurance, please contact Steve Smith, Managing Director, via steve.smith@smithgreenfield.co.uk