2019 - St Fagans National Museum of History

Winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019, read more about how St Fagans collaborates with the local community.

St. Fagan's National History Museum (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

The museum worked with members of the local community to create exhibits and projects reflecting their diverse cultural heritage, including a new gallery dedicated to the Welsh language and identity.

Exterior of St. Fagan's National History Museum (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

Transforming St Fagans

Featuring over 50 historic buildings set in 100 acres of parkland, as well as new galleries, a craft centre and education spaces, St Fagans welcomed 3 million visitors during its redevelopment.

Stephen Deuchar (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

Stephen Deuchar, director of Art Fund from 2010 to 2020

“St Fagans is a monument to modern museum democracy, it has been transformed through a major development project involving the direct participation of hundreds of thousands of visitors and volunteers, putting the arts of making and building into fresh contexts.”

St Fagans National Museum of History film (2019) by Northern TownArt Fund


Workshop (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

Telling the story of Wales

St Fagans' commitment to authenticity and cultural heritage has made it one of the most popular and beloved museums in Wales.

The historic buildings have been painstakingly preserved and restored to reflect their original context.  

David Anderson (2019) by Jaine AireyArt Fund

David Anderson, former director general of NMW

"This is a win for the people of Wales, who came together to create this remarkable museum, and for the power of museums to inspire, educate, and connect us all."

Cafe at St. Fagan's National History Museum (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

St Fagans Castle

St Fagans National Museum of History is located in the grounds of St Fagans Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Wales.

Get visiting benefits with the National Art Pass

St Fagans National Museum of History was the winner, but there were four other amazing museums on this year's shortlist…

Art Fund launches Museum of the Year (2019) by Northern TownArt Fund

Nottingham Contemporary (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

Nottingham Contemporary

Housed in an award-winning building designed by architects Caruso St John, Nottingham Contemporary presents ambitious exhibitions that connect with diverse communities in the Midlands.

HMS Caroline (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

HMS Caroline

The judges were impressed by HMS Caroline's immersive visitor experience, which brings to life the story of the only surviving ship from the Battle of Jutland and its role in World War I.

Pitt Rivers Museum (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum was recognised for its singular approach to the way it presents objects, and its willingness to encourage new interpretations - including asking questions about the collection's past.

V&A Dundee (2019) by Marc AtkinsArt Fund

The V&A Dundee

The museum's building was designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who took inspiration from Scotland's rugged coastline and cliffs.

Credits: Story

Photograph: Marc Atkins and Jaine Airey
Production: Northern Town 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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