Manchester Museum reopens this February following an ambitious £15 million transformation, Esme Ward introduces us to the new era.
Manchester Museum unveiled as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year
See, Make and Do at the Museum – Autism-Friendly
Manchester Museum has been unveiled as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, the world’s largest museum prize.
The news comes at an exciting time for the Museum, as it recently welcomed its one-millionth visitor since reopening to the public in February last year, following a £15 million redevelopment.
It was the most visited indoor museum in the north of England during 2023, despite being open for less than 11 months, with 790,332 people walking through the doors during the calendar year.
Manchester Museum Director Esme Ward said: “Manchester Museum’s redevelopment was the result of 10 years’ collective endeavour so being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year is a moment of joy for everyone to share in, from staff and partners to our communities and Manchester itself. It is affirmation of museums’ power to bring people together in building a more inclusive, hopeful future.”
The other four shortlisted museums are Craven Museum (Skipton, North Yorkshire); Dundee Contemporary Arts (Dundee); National Portrait Gallery (London); Young V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum (London).
The winning museum will be announced at a ceremony at the National Gallery in London on 10 July and will receive £120,000. £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – bringing the total prize money to £180,000.
Jonathan Schofield explores the fascinating shared history of Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester.
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