The Box in Plymouth has been awarded the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award for 2026, recognising its transformative impact on the community and its innovative approach to showcasing local history. Since its inception in 2020, the museum has attracted over 1.3 million visitors and has been lauded for “reimagining what being a museum can mean” through its ambitious and inclusive programming.
A Jewel in the Crown of the South-West
The Art Fund, which bestows the largest museum prize in the world, presented The Box with a £120,000 award at a ceremony held onboard the Cutty Sark in London. Judges hailed it as “a revelation in so many ways” and a “true jewel in the crown of the south-west.” The museum houses a remarkable collection of more than 2 million artworks, objects, and archival materials that collectively tell the story of Plymouth.
The Box’s success extends beyond its impressive visitor numbers; it has generated substantial economic benefits for the city. A report from last year indicated that it contributed over £244 million to Plymouth’s economy and delivered more than £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits. Furthermore, the museum has established connections with 89% of the city’s schools, emphasising its role as a civic institution.
A Celebration of Community and Connection
Victoria Pomery, the chief executive of The Box, received the award from broadcaster June Sarpong, who was one of the judges. Sarpong praised the museum for fostering a sense of pride and connection among the local populace, emphasising its outreach to diverse groups, including the Windrush community.
“What stood out so strongly with The Box was the sense of pride and connection it has created across Plymouth,” Sarpong noted. “Through exhibitions that uncover overlooked histories to welcoming spaces for learning and creativity, The Box is reimagining what being a museum can mean.”
Jenny Waldman, the Art Fund director and chair of the judging panel, echoed this sentiment, stating that The Box’s social and economic impact exemplifies the potential of long-term cultural investment. “They’ve become more and more ambitious, inclusive, and audience-focused,” Waldman remarked, highlighting the museum’s dedication to innovation and community engagement.
Innovative Programming and Community Engagement
The Box’s programming is as diverse as its collections. Recent exhibitions have tackled important themes, such as colonial histories and accessibility. For instance, Osman Yousefzada’s exhibition “When Will We Be Good Enough?” and Jyll Bradley’s “Running and Returning” have both engaged with critical historical narratives.
One particularly noteworthy initiative involved sending postcards to every resident in the Devonport district, inviting them to contribute to a community project. This outreach resulted in an impressive response, prompting the collection of numerous artefacts that enrich the museum’s social history archives.
This summer, The Box is showcasing two significant exhibitions: “Echoes of Us,” featuring works from the government art collection, and “Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour,” which spans the prolific career of the abstract painter.
The Competition and Recognition
The Box was selected from a competitive field of five finalists, which included renowned institutions such as the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the National Gallery in London. Each finalist received £20,000, reflecting the judges’ recognition of their contributions to the cultural landscape.
Waldman remarked on the innovative spirit displayed by all the contenders, stating, “They are innovative, forward-thinking, and pushing the boundaries of what a museum is and can achieve. They prove that investment in culture brings economic and social returns.”
Why it Matters
The recognition of The Box as the Art Fund Museum of the Year is not merely an accolade; it underscores the vital role that museums play in fostering community identity and engagement. In an era where cultural institutions face numerous challenges, The Box exemplifies how a commitment to inclusivity and local relevance can yield significant social and economic dividends. As it continues to amplify underrepresented voices and engage diverse audiences, The Box stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for museums worldwide, demonstrating that they can indeed be places of belonging and transformation.
