In a remarkable achievement for the cultural landscape of Plymouth, The Box has been awarded the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year accolade for 2026. This honour, accompanied by a £120,000 prize, recognises the museum’s transformative impact and inclusive approach since its opening in 2020. With over 1.3 million visitors to date, The Box has redefined what a civic museum can achieve, becoming a beacon of community engagement and economic vitality.
A Jewel in the Crown of the South-West
The Box, a dynamic museum, gallery, and archive, showcases Plymouth’s rich history through an impressive collection of more than two million artefacts, artworks, and archival materials. Judges hailed the venue as “a revelation in so many ways” and underscored its role as “a true jewel in the crown of the south-west.” The museum’s innovative programming and commitment to accessibility have positioned it as a leading example within the cultural sector.
Since its inception, The Box has not only attracted a staggering number of visitors but has also delivered significant social benefits, contributing over £100 million in health and wellbeing advantages and boosting the local economy by £244 million, according to a report released last year. Impressively, it has engaged with 89% of schools in the city, establishing itself as an integral part of the community.
Celebrating Community Connections
At the award ceremony held aboard the historic Cutty Sark in London, Victoria Pomery, the chief executive of The Box, received the accolade from broadcaster June Sarpong, one of the judges. Sarpong highlighted the profound sense of pride and connection that The Box has fostered within Plymouth. “From local groups such as the Windrush community to its partnerships with the university, it is a museum that genuinely belongs to the people it serves,” she remarked.
The Box has excelled in uncovering overlooked narratives through its exhibitions and has created welcoming spaces designed for learning and creativity. This approach is not just about preserving the past; it is about actively engaging with the community and shaping a more inclusive future.
Jenny Waldman, the Art Fund director and chair of the judging panel, emphasised the museum’s ambitious and audience-focused initiatives, stating, “They’ve become more and more ambitious, inclusive and audience-focused. And they continue to innovate, becoming more and more loved and valued by their audiences and their principal funder, the local authority.” Such sentiments reflect the museum’s commitment to making culture accessible to all.
Innovative Programming and Future Plans
The museum, which opened following a £48 million investment, has consistently aimed to be “nationally known and locally loved.” Its programming for 2025 showcased groundbreaking exhibitions, such as “When Will We Be Good Enough?” by Osman Yousefzada, which tackled colonial histories, and “Running and Returning” by Jyll Bradley, which focused on archives and accessibility.
This summer, The Box is hosting two major exhibitions: “Echoes of Us,” featuring works from the government art collection by renowned artists like Barbara Hepworth and Chris Ofili, and “Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour,” which spans seven decades of the abstract painter’s oeuvre. These exhibitions not only highlight the museum’s diverse offerings but also its commitment to fostering artistic dialogue.
The Box stood out among five finalists for the Art Fund award, which included prestigious institutions such as the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the National Gallery in London. Each finalist received £20,000, underscoring the importance of innovation and cultural investment.
Why it Matters
The recognition of The Box as the Art Fund Museum of the Year is not merely a trophy on the shelf; it represents a significant shift in how we view museums in society. By prioritising community engagement, inclusivity, and innovative programming, The Box has redefined the role of cultural institutions in the 21st century. Its success illustrates that when museums invest in their communities and embrace diverse narratives, they can not only enrich local culture but also drive economic growth and social cohesion. As The Box continues to flourish, it sets a powerful example for museums globally, demonstrating that culture can be a catalyst for change and connection.
