Plymouth is celebrating a major cultural milestone after The Box was named as one of just five finalists for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 widely regarded as the biggest museum prize in the world.
The shortlist places the city’s flagship museum, gallery and archive alongside some of the UK’s most established cultural institutions, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the National Gallery, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, and the V&A East Storehouse.
Since opening in 2020 following a £48 million transformation, The Box has quickly become one of Plymouth’s key cultural destinations. In that time it has welcomed more than a million visitors and now cares for a collection of over two million artworks, objects and archival items.
It has also built a strong reputation as a community focused space, working with schools, families and local groups to make culture more accessible, while remaining firmly rooted in Plymouth’s own history and identity.
The winner will be announced on 25 June at a ceremony at the Cutty Sark in London, with a £120,000 prize awarded to the overall winner.
Whatever the outcome, reaching the final is significant national recognition for both The Box and Plymouth, placing the city firmly in the spotlight on the UK cultural stage.
Fingers crossed for Plymouth when the winner is announced and well done to the team at the Box.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post