When was the last time you visited a museum? What exhibitions or experiences left a lasting impression on you? The answers to these questions will possibly determine who wins this year's prestigious European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA).
Established in 1997, the EMYAs celebrate excellence, innovation, humanitarianism and sustainability. Last year’s winner, Manchester Museum, currently holds the torch, ready to be passed to the next best European museum.
There are different criteria that help the judges determine which museum excels in its practice. However, one thing that unites the assessment criteria is the alignment with the framework of the Council of Europe. The judging committee looks for creativity in knowledge production, interpretation, presentation, and social responsibility.
All these elements have to adhere with the core principles of democracy, sustainability, social responsibility and inclusion.
"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," says Amina Krvavac, the chair of the European Museum Forum.
