2016 - Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
Winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2016. V&A was awarded the prize for its restoration of seven prominent collection galleries and redisplay of 17th & 18th-century art & design.
Medieval Renaissance Room (2016) by Polly BradenArt Fund
The museum was also recognised for its innovative exhibitions, which included 'Botticelli Reimagined' and 'Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear', both of which presented art and design in new and exciting ways.
The Wolsey Angels
Considered one of the museum's most important acquisitions, the Wolsey Angels are a pair of exquisite Renaissance sculptures made in the early 16th century.
Victoria and Albert Museum (2016) by Northern TownArt Fund
Martin Roth award acceptance (2016) by Richard Young GalleryArt Fund
Martin Roth, director of the V&A from 2011 to 2016
"It’s a great compliment for our team across the museum. The creators, the technicians, front of house, back of house - it’s a compliment for you and it’s a compliment for the team."
Stephen Deuchar, director of Art Fund from 2010 to 2020
"The prize values innovation and ingenuity; it's very much about the power of people to animate collections and institutions."
London
One of London's major museums. It houses a vast collection of over 2.3 million objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, making it a vital resource for art and design enthusiasts worldwide.
Get visiting benefits with the National Art Pass
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) were the winner but there were four other amazing museums on this year's shortlist...
Shortlist Announcement (2016) by Northern TownArt Fund
Arnolfini Gallery (2016) by Polly BradenArt Fund
Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol
One of the UK's leading contemporary art galleries, the Arnolfini was praised for its commitment to experimentation and promoting new and emerging artists.
Bethlem Museum of the Mind (2016) by Polly BradenArt Fund
Bethlem museum of the mind, London
Dedicated to the history of mental health care, the museum was recognised for its innovative exhibitions that challenge stereotypes and promote understanding of mental health.
Jupiter Artland (2016) by Polly BradenArt Fund
Jupiter Artland
A sculpture park showcasing site-specific works by leading contemporary artists, Jupiter Artland was applauded for its immersive approach to art and nature and support of emerging artists.
York Art Gallery (2016) by York Art GalleryArt Fund
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery was recognised for its refurbishment and innovative approach to displaying its collections, which include one of the world's most extensive collections of British studio ceramics.
Photographer: Polly Braden, V&A, Janie Airey, Richard Young Gallery, York Art Gallery and V&A
Production Partner: Northern Town
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