Thirty-four museums across Europe have been shortlisted for the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA), celebrating excellence, innovation, humanitarianism, and sustainability. The winner will be announced on June 13, 2026, in Bilbao, Spain.
The European Museum of the Year Award highlights innovative and socially responsible institutions, influencing cultural standards and public engagement across the continent. The selection process underscores the evolving role of museums in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Thirty-four museums across Europe have been nominated for the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) in 2026. The award, established in 1997, recognizes excellence, innovation, humanitarianism, and sustainability in the museum sector.
The judging committee assesses nominees based on creativity in knowledge production, interpretation, presentation, and social responsibility, ensuring alignment with the core principles of democracy, sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusion. Amina Krvavac, chair of the European Museum Forum, noted the increasing demands on museums in a climate of conflict and polarization.
Among the shortlisted institutions are Museum St John's Hospital in Belgium, Mude – Design Museum in Portugal, Museum of Play in Finland, Obersalzberg Documentation Centre and Sensoria – The House of Fragrances and Flavours in Germany, the National Museum of Resistance and Human Rights in Luxembourg, CERN Science Gateway in Switzerland, and Young V&A in the United Kingdom.
The winner will be announced on June 13, 2026, at Euskararen Etxea in Bilbao, Spain, which is the 2025 winner of the Council of Europe Museum Prize.
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