The Box in Plymouth Named UK Museum of the Year 2026

The Box, a museum, art gallery, and archive in Plymouth, Devon, has been named the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026. The institution received the top honor along with a £120,000 prize.

The award was presented during a ceremony aboard the historic Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich. Judges praised The Box as an important cultural destination and called it a major achievement for the South West region.

The museum opened in 2020 after a £48 million investment by Plymouth City Council. The project aimed to create a space that could become nationally recognized while remaining connected to the local community.

The Box holds more than two million items, including artworks, historical collections, natural specimens, and media archives. Its exhibitions focus on making history accessible and creating new conversations through art.

The museum received special recognition for artist-led projects that explored cultural identity and historical perspectives. Exhibitions such as “When Will We Be Good Enough?” by Osman Yousefzada and “Running and Returning” by Jyll Bradley gained strong public attention.

Beyond exhibitions, The Box has created a major social impact in the community. Reports show that the museum welcomed over 1.3 million visitors and supported education programs across Plymouth.

The institution also helped generate significant benefits for public wellbeing and community engagement. Nearly 89% of schools in Plymouth have connected with the museum through learning initiatives.

Museum leaders said the prize money will support future projects and improve public access. They want to ensure culture remains open and available for everyone.

The recognition highlights how museums can support education, tourism, and community growth. The Box’s success shows the power of combining history, creativity, and public participation.