At a special ceremony that took place on 20 April 2026 in Strasbourg, Palais de l’Europe, the Young V&A (London, United Kingdom) was awarded with the 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize. The museum was selected by the Culture Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on 2 December 2025.

Presenting the award, PACE President Petra Bayr said the Young V&A was clearly an outstanding museum which “stands as an inspiring model of child-centred, research-informed and socially engaged museology”. By providing experiences that can help children and young people embrace the future with confidence and creativity, it carried “a strong message of hope for the future”, she added.

Expressing her thanks, the Director of Young V&A, Dr. Helen Charman said: “It is a great privilege and honour for Young V&A to be awarded Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2026. Designed with and for the young from early years to early teens, the museum is a clarion call for the role of cultural organisations in fostering the creative, critical and collaborative mindsets and skills that will help the next generation preserve democratic civic life."

She concluded by saying that "As we look forward to welcoming our two millionth visitor this year, Young V&A will continue to advocate for children’s museums as places that tell diverse and complex stories that are foundational in the lives of the young, especially today, as they build their democratic future. Our sincere thanks to the Council of Europe for this significant and timely Award.”

During her speech at the Committee meeting held prior to the ceremony, Amina Krvavac, Chair of the European Museum Forum — which has organised the prize selection procedure and jury since 1977 — stated: "This occasion reflects the long-standing partnership between the European Museum Forum and the Council of Europe, grounded in a shared commitment to strengthening the social and democratic role of museums across Europe. More than a distinction, the Prize affirms a broader vision of museums as active civic spaces—places where dialogue is fostered, values are negotiated, and democratic culture becomes visible and tangible. Museums should amplify multiple voices, address complex histories with integrity, and ensure that all members of society feel reflected and respected.”

Following this, she elaborated: "Young V&A exemplifies this spirit by placing young audiences at the centre, not as passive visitors but as active participants and co-creators, demonstrating how design, creativity, and play can serve as powerful tools for inclusion and learning."

Being part of the European Museum of the Year Award scheme, the Council of Europe Museum Prize has been awarded annually by the Parliamentary Assembly since 1977. It aims to highlight Europe’s diverse cultural heritage and the interplay between local and European identities.

Links:
CoE Museum Prize page
CoE News
Video: what is the Museum Prize?
Young V&A on the EMF website
Young V&A website
Previous winners of the CoE Museum Prize