Manchester is home to a number of museums from ones uncovering the city’s industrial heritage to those telling the heartfelt stories of people from the past. However, one cultural spot in the city that certainly stands out is Manchester Museum, so much so the iconic building has been recognised as one of Europe’s leading museums after winning the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2025.
The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and previous winners have included Sámi Museum Siida in Northern Lapland, Finland, Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands, The Design Museum in London, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Plus, Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester, is the first university museum to receive it.
The museum, which reopened in February 2023 after a £15m redevelopment, has earned recognition for the way it balances globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility. Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field.
Judges praised how Manchester Museum has “reimagined its mission, acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes”. The museum on Oxford Road, which is free to enter, was also praised for “thoughtful, informed, and impactful community engagement” and “creating a truly inclusive space where all individuals, regardless of identity or background, can see themselves reflected and represented.”
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said: “Museums have the power to be empathy machines, bringing generations and communities together to build understanding, while confronting the past with honesty and transparency. More than ever before, we need museums that are values-led, imaginative and confident about what they stand for.”
Manchester Museum won the main prize in the face of competition from 41 other shortlisted museums from across the continent.