The Box, Plymouth's prominent museum, gallery, and archive, has been awarded the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year for 2026, securing the world's largest museum prize. The venue, which opened in 2020, was celebrated for its 'ambitious and welcoming approach' and its role in 'reimagining what being a museum can mean'. This significant accolade comes with a prize of £120,000, presented at a ceremony aboard the Cutty Sark in London.
Judges described The Box as 'a revelation in so many ways' and a 'true jewel in the crown of the south-west'. The institution houses over two million artworks, objects, and archival materials, meticulously narrating the story of Plymouth. Since its opening, The Box has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, becoming a leading example of what a civic museum can achieve, according to the judging panel.
Beyond its cultural offerings, The Box has demonstrated considerable social and economic impact. A report last year indicated that it has generated over £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits and boosted Plymouth’s economy by £244 million. Furthermore, it has engaged with an impressive 89% of the city’s schools, underscoring its deep integration into the local community.
Victoria Pomery, Chief Executive of The Box, accepted the award from broadcaster June Sarpong, one of the judges. Sarpong highlighted the 'sense of pride and connection' The Box has fostered across Plymouth, noting its engagement with diverse groups, including the Windrush community and local universities. Jenny Waldman, Art Fund Director and chair of the judges, emphasised how The Box’s impact showcases the potential of sustained investment in culture to yield significant social and economic returns.
The Box's programme consistently seeks to amplify overlooked voices and explore complex histories. Its 2025 schedule included exhibitions such as Osman Yousefzada’s 'When Will We Be Good Enough?', which delved into colonial histories, and Jyll Bradley’s 'Running and Returning', focusing on archives and accessibility. This summer, the museum is hosting 'Echoes of Us', featuring works from the government art collection, and 'Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour', spanning seven decades of the abstract painter's work.
The Box was selected from a strong shortlist of five finalists, which also included the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge), the National Gallery (London), Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery (Norwich), and V&A East Storehouse (London). Each of these finalists will receive £20,000, acknowledging their innovative contributions to the UK's cultural landscape.
Source: Art Fund