Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 shortlist features five UK museums

The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 shortlist features five museums, all located outside London, highlighting a diverse range of cultural and historical experiences across the UK. The finalists are Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham); Chapter (Cardiff); Compton Verney (Warwickshire); Golden Thread Gallery (Belfast); and Perth Museum (Perth & Kinross). Judges praised these institutions for their innovation, community engagement, and responsiveness to local communities, with each offering distinctive experiences such as immersive historical exhibits or contemporary art spaces. Beamish was noted for its commitment to preserving regional heritage, especially with its Remaking Beamish project, while Perth Museum reopened after a major redevelopment and now houses the historic Stone of Destiny. The winner, who will receive £120,000, will be announced at the Museum of Liverpool on June 26, marking the first time the ceremony is held outside London. Each of the other finalists will receive £15,000, underlining the prize’s recognition of excellence and impact throughout the UK museum sector.