Thursday, June 25, 2026-A museum and art gallery in the UK has been crowned a major national award winner after judges described it as a “true jewel in the crown of the south-west.”
The recognition comes from the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year prize, one of the country’s highest honors for cultural institutions, celebrating innovation, community impact, and excellence in public engagement.
The winning institution, The Box, Plymouth, stood out for its bold approach to storytelling, combining museum, gallery, and archive spaces under one roof.
Judges praised its ability to connect deeply with the local community while presenting over two million objects that reflect the history and identity of Plymouth. Since opening, it has also become a major cultural hub, drawing millions of visitors and engaging schools and community groups across the region.
The award highlights a growing shift in how modern museums are expected to operate—moving beyond static displays to become active, inclusive spaces that serve the public in meaningful ways. With its recognition as a “true jewel,” The Box now sets a benchmark for how civic museums can combine education, heritage, and accessibility to stay relevant in a fast-changing cultural landscape.

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