The European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2026 has unveiled its shortlist of 34 nominees, spanning from Portugal and Estonia to Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Established in 1997, the prize celebrates excellence, innovation, humanitarianism, and sustainability in museum practice. Last year’s winner, Manchester Museum, currently holds the title, which will be passed to the next recipient later this year.
The judging criteria align with the Council of Europe’s framework, emphasising creativity in knowledge production, interpretation, presentation, and social responsibility. All nominees must adhere to core principles of democracy, sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusion. Amina Krvavac, chair of the European Museum Forum, noted: “Ongoing conflicts and growing polarisation shape public debate and expectations. In this climate, trust in institutions and public discourse has become increasingly fragile, placing new demands on museums and their role in society.”
Notable Contenders
Among the standout nominees is Museum St John’s Hospital in Bruges, Belgium. Housed in a 12th-century Gothic building that once served as a hospital, the museum now tells the stories of those treated and cared for there. Its historical and contemporary art exhibitions use unique audiovisual experiences to immerse visitors in the building’s layered past.
In Lisbon, Mude – Design Museum invites visitors into the world of design, from clothing and furniture to flooring. The museum’s building, a former bank headquarters, underwent meticulous restoration that preserved original mosaics, wooden panels, and marble counters. Its exhibitions address socio-cultural and ideological issues while tackling environmental problems, encouraging the public to reflect on design’s role in daily life. Portugal’s cultural scene has been active recently, with events like the London Design Museum exhibition exploring NIGO’s influence drawing international attention.
Finland’s Museum of Play in Espoo explores the history of toys, games, and Finnish childhood. The panel describes the museum as a storyteller, educator, and community builder, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds while emphasising sustainability.
Germany fields two strong candidates. The Obersalzberg Documentation Centre in Berchtesgaden confronts the Nazi era at the site where Adolf Hitler spent more than a quarter of his time. The exhibition links the local Alpine context to atrocities across Europe, where millions were killed as a result of policies orchestrated at the residence. Despite its dark past, the museum now serves as a welcoming place for learning and remembrance. Meanwhile, Sensoria – The House of Fragrances and Flavours in Holzminden, opened in 2024, offers 300 fragrances and the chance to create a personal perfume. It reinforces Holzminden’s reputation as the “city of scents and flavours” through sensory experiences and interactive exhibits.
Luxembourg’s National Museum of Resistance and Human Rights in Esch-Sur-Alzette explores resistance, oppression, collaboration, the Holocaust, and human rights in three languages. It is the only museum in the country with a collection covering the Nazi regime between 1940 and 1945. The museum works closely with associations, interest groups, and researchers to bridge academia and the public, establishing itself as a vital cultural and educational resource.
Switzerland’s CERN Science Gateway in Meyrin bridges the gap between the general public and complex science. The largest physics laboratory in the world, CERN comprises five buildings connected by a six-metre-high bridge. It functions as an immersive scientific playground where visitors attend workshops, explore accelerators and laboratories, and visit numerous exhibitions. The institution’s appeal spans all ages, making it a perennial favourite among science enthusiasts.
The full list of 34 nominees includes museums from across the continent, reflecting Europe’s diverse cultural heritage and contemporary innovation. The winner will be announced later in 2026, with the award ceremony expected to draw significant attention from the cultural sector. For those planning a visit, many of these museums are located in cities that also feature in broader European travel and economic trends, such as Portugal’s airport upgrades to handle summer crowds.
