The National Gallery shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 for NG200 activities across the UK and Northern Ireland, transformed Sainsbury Wing and Learning Centre and acclaimed new displays
National Gallery pledges to use finalist’s money for UK National Programmes
The National Gallery has been announced as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, the world’s largest museum prize.
The winning museum, recipient of £120,000, will be announced on 25 June at a ceremony at Cutty Sark in London. £20,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – an increase of £5,000 for each museum – bringing the total prize money to £200,000.
Continuing its role as a museum for everyone, everywhere, the National Gallery has pledged to use its finalist’s money towards its UK National Programmes. This will build on the success recognised by Art Fund in bringing people and great art together.
The award nomination recognises an extraordinary year at the Gallery celebrating our Bicentenary in 2024–25 with a year-long festival of art, creativity and imagination known as NG200, which set the tone for our third century.
The ambitious programme included transforming spaces at our Trafalgar Square site including the Sainsbury Wing and the new Roden Centre for Creative Learning, both introducing new experiences for our audiences to enjoy and explore.
With NG200 the Gallery embarked on a bold outreach plan to connect more people with paintings across the UK and beyond. The 12-month travelling art studio, Art Road Trip, inspired creativity across the nation; Jeremy Deller’s The Triumph of Art, supported by Art Fund, was a nationwide performance that incorporated public participatory events across the four nations, demonstrating how art is part of civic life and how celebratory festivals can be catalysts of collaboration and joy. We also launched 200 Creators, a network of digital content creators, brought together to reach new audiences not currently engaged with the Gallery.
The legacy of NG200 will continue through NG Citizens, a new, UK-wide project, inviting people from all four corners of the nation to help shape the future of the Gallery. This programme comes at a perfect time as we enter the first stages of Project Domani, a £750 million campaign that will redefine the National Gallery for the next century, creating new spaces to house an expanded collection.
Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, annually shortlists five outstanding museums for Museum of the Year. The 2026 edition recognises inspiring projects and activity from autumn 2024 through to winter 2025. In addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, judges are tasked to evaluate museums who through unexpected, innovative and forward-thinking practices, are pushing the boundaries of what a museum is or can achieve.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, London, says: 'Being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year is a very great honour, it has been wonderful to have all the hard work that went into our Bicentenary recognised in this way. We will use this opportunity to underscore our mission of sharing the collection with the nation through our touring programme as we enter another exciting time for the Gallery with Project Domani on the horizon.'
The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the Gallery houses the nation’s collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the late 13th to the early 20th century. The collection includes works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Bellini, Cezanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Velázquez. The Gallery’s key objectives are to enhance and care for the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors. Admission is free.
The other shortlisted museums are The Box (Plymouth), Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge), Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery (Norwich), V&A East Storehouse (London).
The 2026 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Tony Butler OBE (Executive Director of Derby Museums), Yinka Ilori MBE (artist), Alice Loxton (historian, author and broadcaster) and June Sarpong OBE (broadcaster, writer and campaigner). The judges will visit each of the finalists to inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for new and current visitors.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund said: ‘Congratulations to the National Gallery on being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026. The five shortlisted museums this year showcase extraordinary breadth of creativity and innovation, demonstrating the vital role museums play in building a brighter, more connected future for us all. From opening up world-leading collections to connecting with communities of all ages through ambitious exhibitions and programmes, each one offers something special.
We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements as finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year, thanks to our National Art Pass members who make the prize possible. We hope people everywhere will be inspired to explore the finalists and their local museums, to see first-hand the treasures and experiences that are open to everyone.’
The prize is funded thanks to Art Fund's members who buy a National Art Pass, alongside the many funders and individuals who generously support Art Fund's work. National Art Pass holders can enjoy 50% off exhibitions when visiting the National Gallery. Plus, until June 25, National Art Pass holders can enjoy 10% off in National Gallery shops (onsite only) on presentation of the National Art Pass and a Zurbarán exhibition ticket for that day. They can also gain access to Supporters’ House on Sundays (17 May to 21 June) for Art Fund members and a guest, on presentation of the National Art Pass and a Zurbarán exhibition ticket for that day for both the guest and the National Art Pass holder.
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THE 2026 Judging Panel
Tony Butler OBE (Executive Director of Derby Museums)
Tony Butler OBE is Executive Director of Derby Museums which contains the world’s finest collection of works by the 18th-century artist Joseph Wright of Derby the preeminent painter of the British Enlightenment. His portfolio also includes the award-winning Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill, the site of the world’s first factory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum’s purpose is to inspire the next generation of makers and creatives through its active workshop and collaborations with some of Britain’s leading companies (Rolls Royce, John Smedley and Vaillant UK).
During 2004 to2013 he was Director of the Museum of East Anglian Life (now Food Museum) in Suffolk. There he developed a pioneering social enterprise focusing on heritage training and social development for vulnerable adults and social prescribing.
In 2011 Tony founded the Happy Museum Project which has since supported over 50 UK museums to develop projects which build mutual relationships with audiences and ‘steward the future as well as the past’.
He is a Fellow of the Clore Leadership programme, a founder of the English Civic Museums Network and Member of the National Heritage Lottery Fund Midlands and East Committee. Tony was awarded an OBE for services to the Arts in the King’s New Year Honours List in 2025. Born and bred in Portsmouth, he studied in Wales and East Anglia and now lives in Derbyshire and Suffolk.
Yinka Ilori MBE (artist)
Yinka Ilori, MBE, is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose bold visual language draws on his British-Nigerian heritage to convey new narratives through contemporary design. Drawing on Nigerian parables and verbal traditions, Ilori touches on a multitude of themes that resonate with a global audience.
His work is underpinned by the belief that art and design should be accessible to all. Humorous, provocative and playful, his projects demonstrate how design can bring together communities and have a positive impact on society, evoking a sense of joy and optimism. Often using the city as his canvas, he reimagines spaces to encourage a sense of community and invites audiences to engage and participate in his work and its surroundings.
A graduate of London Metropolitan University’s BA in Furniture and Product Design, Ilori’s work has been showcased globally through solo and group exhibitions, public commissions and set and exhibition design.
Alice Loxton (historian, broadcaster and author)
Alice Loxton is history broadcaster and Sunday Times bestselling author with over three million followers on social media (@history_alice), where she educates on British history, heritage and art. Her latest book is ‘Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen’. She has worked with many organisations to bring history to new audiences, including 10 Downing Street, DCMS, the National Trust, The Royal Academy, English Heritage, the National Gallery, Tate, The King’s Foundation, BBC, ITV and Microsoft. She writes about history for publications such as ‘The Times’, ‘Telegraph’ and ‘Spectator’. Alice is an ambassador for the National Trust, a mentor for The King’s Foundation 35 Under 35 Network, and a patron of The British Pilgrimage Trust.
June Sarpong OBE (broadcaster, writer and campaigner)
June Sarpong OBE is one of the world's leading inclusion speakers, educators, and Top 10 D&I executives with over two decades of professional experience in the UK and US. Formerly Global Director of Creative Diversity for the BBC and the first Black woman to sit on the corporation's Executive Committee, June led the D&I strategy and implementation for the BBC's 500-million plus global audience as well as internal creative teams and external production supply chain.
As part of her portfolio she spearheaded the BBC's 'Creative Diversity Commitment'; a £100 million ($131 million) investment in diverse and inclusive TV content, with an extra £12 million ($16 million) infused into inclusive radio programming and podcasts. In addition to her role with the BBC, June is the founder of Diversify International Limited (DIL), a boutique consultancy firm whose clients include Burberry, Barclays, Nike, NHS, EY, Google, Unilever, Facebook, Wagamama and many more. As part of DIL's services, June also advises Founders and CEO's on DEi, strategy, delivery of culture transformation, ways to connect with new audiences and growth markets with a special expertise on Africa.
June has enjoyed a 25-year career, which has seen her become one of the most recognisable faces of British television, as well as being one of the UK's most intelligent and dynamic hosts. June is a media phenomenon and is the only host of her generation that is equally comfortable interviewing politicians, celebrities and members of the public. June has also taken on the world's most challenging live audiences, hosting 'Make Poverty History' in London's Trafalgar Square and presenting at the UK leg of 'Live Earth', as well as Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations in front of 30,000 people in London's Hyde Park.
Jenny Waldman
Jenny Waldman joined Art Fund as Director in 2020, leading the organisation in increasing its support for the sector through its charitable funding programme, growing audiences through the National Art Pass, and championing museums and galleries with major events such as Art Fund Museum of the Year, the world's largest museum prize.
Jenny was previously Director of 14–18 NOW, the UK’s art commissions programme for the First World War Centenary, Creative Producer of the London 2012 Festival, and Public Programme Consultant to Somerset House Trust, where she created the ice rink, film and concert seasons.
She was awarded a CBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to the arts.
About Art Fund Museum of the Year
The first ‘Art Fund Museum of the Year’ was awarded in 2013 to the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. Its forerunner was the Prize for Museums and Galleries, administered by the Museum Prize Trust. Art Fund supported this prize between 2008 and 2012, when it was known as the ‘Art Fund Prize’. It was sponsored by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation from 2003 to2007, when it was known as the ‘Gulbenkian Museum Prize’.
There is a rich history of prizes for museums, the first running from 1973 to 2003, called 'The National Heritage Museum of the Year'.
Art Fund Museum of the Year champions what museums do, encourages more people to visit and gets to the heart of what makes a truly outstanding museum. The judges present the prize to the museum or gallery that has shown how their achievements of the preceding year stand out, demonstrated what makes their work innovative, and the impact it has had on audiences.
Winners of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2013 – 2025:
2025 – Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, County Durham
2024 – Young V&A, London
2023 – The Burrell Collection, Glasgow
2022 – Horniman Museum and Gardens, London
2021 – Firstsite, Colchester
2020 – Aberdeen Art Gallery; Gairloch Museum; Science Museum; South London Gallery; and Towner Eastbourne.
2019 – St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
2018 – Tate St Ives
2017 – The Hepworth, Wakefield
2016 – Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London
2015 – Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
2014 – Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
2013 – William Morris Gallery, London
Winners of The Art Fund Prize 2008 – 2012:
2012–Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
2011 – British Museum
2010 – Ulster Museum, Belfast
2009 – Wedgwood Museum, Stoke-on-Trent,
2008 – The Lightbox, Woking
About Art Fund
Art Fund is the national charity for museums and galleries. For over 120 years, it has helped institutions across the UK to develop and share their collections, invest in people and expertise, grow their audiences and inspire the next generation.
Art Fund connects museums and people with great art and culture through funding, advocacy and initiatives, because access to art is vital for a healthy society. It champions the sector through the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award - the world’s largest museum prize - and supports museum professionals through dedicated training and grant programmes.
Independent and people-powered, Art Fund is supported by 148,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, as well as generous contributions from individuals, trusts and foundations. The National Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to over 1,000 museums, galleries and historic places in the UK, 50% off major exhibitions, a subscription to Art Quarterly magazine and Art In Your Inbox newsletter. artfund.org
For more information
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