We’ve been shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025!
- Published:
We’ve been announced as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize.
Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, annually shortlists five outstanding museums for Museum of the Year. The 2025 prize recognises inspiring projects and activity from autumn 2023 through to winter 2024. In addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, the judges are tasked with identifying impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of remarkable people, including museum staff and volunteers, who bring museums to life by engaging with communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives.
"We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and delighted to be in such good company! This accolade is a testament to the many brilliant artists, partners, creative collaborators, staff and volunteers who bring their energy and imaginations to our venue every day. We’re proud to represent Wales and the communities who’ve been by our side for the last 54 years."
The other shortlisted museums are Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham); Compton Verney (Warwickshire); Golden Thread Gallery (Belfast) and Perth Museum (Perth).
The winning museum, recipient of £120,000, will be announced on 26 June at a ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool, the first time the event will be held outside London. £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – bringing the total prize money to £180,000.
The 2025 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Rana Begum (Artist), Dr David Dibosa (Director of Research and Interpretation, Tate), Jane Richardson (Chief Executive, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales) and Phil Wang (Comedian, Writer, Actor). The judges will visit each of the finalists to inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for new and current visitors.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund said:
"Congratulations to Chapter on being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. This year’s finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best – deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas. Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone. Art Fund is proud to celebrate their work and support their ambition through Art Fund Museum of the Year. We hope people across the UK will be inspired to visit these remarkable places and museums in their local area to discover the powerful role they can play in our lives."
The prize is funded thanks to the generosity of Art Fund’s members who buy a National Art Pass. Art Pass holders can enjoy £5 tickets to cinema and theatre events at Chapter from 29 April–26 June 2025 and 10% off in the café all year round.
