The Family Friendly Museum Award is the only award where families pick the winner and the shortlisted museums will be road-tested anonymously by families over the summer using the new Kids in Museums Mini Manifesto as a guide to their family and child friendliness.
Dea Birkett, creative director of Kids in Museums, said that this was by far the largest number of entrants and the strongest shortlist so far, that sent a clear message about what families and young people look for in a museum.
“It is significant to families and their communities and a reflection of their concerns and ambitions,” she said. “These shortlisted museums – many of them very small – reflect and embrace their visitors. All museums should do this.”
The Shortlist:
The Cardiff Story Museum
Dylan Thomas Centre (Swansea)
Great North Museum: Hancock (Newcastle upon Tyne)
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum (Coventry)
Jewish Museum (London)
People’s History Museum (Manchester)
Rainham Hall (Greater London)
River & Rowing Museum (Henley-on-Thames)
Tudor House (Worcester)
Vale and Downland Museum (Oxfordshire)
Last year’s winner was York Art Gallery praised for offering displays that babies can touch and lick, low-level labels and lots of comfy chairs.
The 2017 winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in October.
If you know a family who would like to be undercover museum judges and help pick the winner get them to email: [email protected].
