Museum of the year finalists revealed by Art Fund

David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media A young woman with black hair, glasses and a backpack stands in front of a statue of a bust and takes a photo. Portraits line the wall behind her.David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media
The Fitzwilliam Museum's collection, based in Cambridge, spans from Egyptian artefacts to modern art

The museums which could clinch the Art Fund Museum of the Year title and its £120,000 prize have been revealed.

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, The Box in Plymouth, The National Gallery and V&A East Storehouse, both in London, have been nominated for what is believed to be the world's largest museum prize.

Art Fund director Jenny Waldman said the shortlisted sites had showcased "extraordinary creativity and innovation".

She added she hoped the charity's announcement would inspire people to explore the finalists, and their local museums.

David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media A huge wall hanging is rolled out across the floor, with a cloth on one side and polythene coverings underneath. A man is kneeling nearby. There are ancient-looking columns behind him, with items on warehouse shelves around him.David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media
The V&A East Storehouse opened in May and allows visitors to walk around its aisles

"From opening up world-leading collections to connecting with communities of all ages through ambitious exhibitions and programmes, each one offers something special," Waldman said.

"We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements as finalists."

One Plymouth/Art Fund/PA Media A stone, glass-fronted and different-coloured panels run across the box-shaped museum. There is lots of paving outside, steps and hand rails, and a few people hanging around.One Plymouth/Art Fund/PA Media
The Box in Plymouth celebrates the port city's heritage

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery reopened last summer after a five-year redevelopment.

It is now said to be UK's most accessible castle, with rooms aiming to show an authentic display of life in the 12th Century.

The Box celebrated its fifth birthday in September last year, and is a museum, gallery and archive which tells the history of Plymouth.

David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media A slotted window in the interior wall of Norwich Castle, framed by lots of glass lights hanging down. Someone strides past.David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery fully reopened last year after an ambitious transformation

The winner will be announced on 25 June at a ceremony at the Cutty Sark in London, while £20,000 will also be given to each of the four other finalists.

The prize is funded by Art Fund members who buy a National Art Pass, as well as people who support the group's work.

Last year's winner was open-air attraction Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, based near Stanley in County Durham.

David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media People stand in front and behind a bench looking at a giant Tudor-style painting of two men. The gallery has a dark blue wall.David Levene/Art Fund/PA Media
The National Gallery is one of the shortlisted finalists for the 2026 title

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