The news was announced at a ceremony at the National Gallery this evening (10th July).
It has been announced that the Young V&A is this year’s recipient of the £120,000 prize.
Dr Helen Charman, Director of Young V&A, was presented the prize by Vicky Hope, broadcaster and judge for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024.
Talking about the news Vicky Hope said: “The Young V&A is such a special and unique place, offering an experience for children (and their adults) like no other out there. The museum truly places young people centre stage, encouraging them to play, design and get creative through a fascinating collection of objects and artworks. I was inspired by the museum’s vision to become a space for the next generation to feel empowered and to imagine their future; a space that will cement museums as places they belong and feel welcome as they grow up, regardless of their background. In such a short time the Young V&A’s global impact has been really incredible, demonstrating the potential of what museums can be for children around the world – and I can’t recommend it enough for a visit.”
The Young V&A opened on 1 July 2023 following a £13 million capital project to transform the former V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green into a museum of creativity.
It is formed of three active, permanent galleries (Play, Imagine and Design); a temporary exhibition space; restored Grade II listed architectural features; improved retail and café spaces; new accessible routes and facilities, including an accredited Changing Places Toilet ; and an enhanced and expanded Clore Learning Centre and Creative Studios.
The winner was one of five finalists. The other shortlisted museums, all highly commended by the judges, are: Craven Museum (Skipton, North Yorkshire), Dundee Contemporary Arts (Dundee), Manchester Museum (Manchester) and National Portrait Gallery (London).
Each finalist will receive £15,000. Together with £120,000 received by the winning museum, the total prize money for Art Fund Museum of the Year is £180,000, increased in 2023 to mark 120 years of Art Fund supporting museums.
The 2024 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Anupam Ganguli (Finance Director, Historic Royal Palaces), Vick Hope (broadcaster), Tania Kovats (artist) and Sir John Leighton (former Director-General, National Galleries of Scotland). The judges visited each of the finalists to inform their decision-making.
The prize is funded thanks to the generosity of Art Fund’s members who buy a National Art Pass. Pass holders enjoy discounts and benefits at the finalist museums and hundreds more museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, whilst also supporting Art Fund’s vital work championing and supporting museums.
To find out more about the Young V&A visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/young