The Art Fund's prestigious museum of the year award for 2026 has been bestowed upon The Box in Plymouth, a cultural hub that has captured the attention of judges and visitors alike. This award, with its substantial £120,000 prize, recognizes The Box's unique and ambitious approach to storytelling through art, objects, and archives.
What makes The Box truly remarkable is its ability to connect with the community on a profound level. From its opening in 2020, it has welcomed over 1.3 million visitors, engaging with an impressive 89% of Plymouth's schools. This level of community involvement is a testament to its success as a civic museum.
The Impact of The Box
The Box's impact extends beyond its physical walls. It has generated an astonishing £244 million boost to Plymouth's economy and provided over £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits. These figures are a clear indication of the museum's positive influence on the city and its residents.
One of the judges, broadcaster June Sarpong, highlighted the sense of pride and connection The Box has fostered within the community. She noted its partnerships with local groups, such as the Windrush community, and its collaboration with the university, emphasizing its role as a museum that truly belongs to the people it serves.
Reimagining the Museum Experience
Jenny Waldman, the Art Fund director and chair of the judges, praised The Box for its social and economic impact, stating that it demonstrates the potential of long-term investment in culture. She believes The Box has become a leading example of what a civic museum can achieve, with its increasing ambition, inclusivity, and focus on its audience.
What many people don't realize is that museums have a dual responsibility. On one hand, they must preserve and care for their collections for future generations. On the other, they must present these collections in ways that inspire and engage the public. The Box has mastered this balance, presenting exhibitions that uncover overlooked histories and creating welcoming spaces for learning and creativity.
Community Engagement
A detail that I find particularly fascinating is The Box's community program in Devonport. By sending postcards to every resident, inviting them to participate in a community project, they received an overwhelming response and gathered valuable artifacts of social history for their collection. This initiative showcases The Box's commitment to involving the community in shaping its narrative.
A Look at The Box's Programming
The Box's 2025 program is a testament to its innovative spirit. Exhibitions like "When Will We Be Good Enough?" by Osman Yousefzada, which explores colonial histories, and "Running and Returning" by Jyll Bradley, which delves into archives and accessibility, demonstrate its commitment to amplifying overlooked voices and engaging with important social issues.
This summer, The Box is hosting two major shows: "Echoes of Us," featuring works from the government art collection by renowned artists, and "Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour," showcasing seven decades of the abstract painter's work. These exhibitions further highlight The Box's ability to bring diverse and thought-provoking art to the public.
The Larger Picture
The Box was not alone in its excellence. The other finalists, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the National Gallery, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, and V&A East Storehouse, are also pushing the boundaries of what a museum can achieve. These institutions prove that investment in culture yields significant economic and social returns.
In my opinion, The Box's win is a celebration of its unique approach to community engagement and its ability to tell the story of Plymouth through its rich collections. It serves as an inspiration for other museums to embrace innovation and inclusivity, ultimately enhancing their impact on society.
