Derby’s Museum of Making wins a Special Commendation at the EMYAs

The Museum of Making in Derby has been awarded a Special Commendation in the prestigious European Museum of the Year Awards (EMYA).

The Winner of the European Museum of the Year Award 2024 was The Sámi Museum Siida, the national museum of the Sámi people of Finland - the only recognised indigenous culture in Europe. The new museum has been created for, by, and with the Sami communities as a safe place to collect Sámi heritage and to bring it front and centre in a contemporary cultural dialogue.

Fifty different museums from twenty-four Council of Europe member states were nominated for the accolade, including two other UK-based museums: the Museum of the Home (London) - which took home the Meyvaert Museum Prize for Environmental Sustainability - and The Burrell Collection (Glasgow).

Organised by the European Museum Forum, the EMYAs bring together leading members of the European museum community to showcase the best in innovation and excellence, in new or redeveloped museums, with the aim of recognising quality in the European museum scene.

The 47th annual programme took place in Portimão, Portugal from 1 to 4 May, where the 2024 European Museum of the Year Award, and the series of related awards, were announced.

Special Commendations are given to museums that have developed a new and innovative approach in specific aspects of their public service and from which other European museums can learn. Six special commendations were given by the Jury in 2024, with the Museum of Making being the only UK museum to receive the honour.

Amina Krvavac, EMYA Chair and EMYA Jury 2024, said of the Museum of Making: “This museum is an example of how industrial heritage can be used in a participatory way to enhance the skills of its visitors and make STEM inclusive and connected to contemporary society. Visitors will find various exhibitions, events, workshops, and hands-on activities, making this manufacturing history museum a dynamic place for creativity, acquiring new skills, experimentation, and cooperation.”

The Museum of Making has shown itself to be an innovative and participative civic space and invaluable heritage asset for Derby, having attracted over 300,000 visitors since it opened following a multimillion-pound transformation in May 2021. Standing on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first modern factory at Derby Silk Mill, this pioneering museum tells Derbyshire’s 300-year history of making, innovation, and technology to inspire new creativity. Designed and made by the people and industries of Derby with exhibits, workshops, activities and events, there is something for makers of all ages.

The £18m Museum of Making, which was shortlisted down to the last five for the 2022 Art Fund Museum of the Year prize - and has also scooped three architecture awards - stands on the banks of the River Derwent, on the site of the world’s first factory, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To find out more about the Museum of Making, visit www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/.

For further details about Derby, visit https://www.visitderby.co.uk.