Bilbao will serve as the host city for the European Museum of the Year Awards (EMYA) congress, taking place from today until June 14. More than 300 professionals from Europe's leading museums will participate in this event, which will conclude on Saturday with an awards ceremony. Euskararen Etxea, set to receive the Council of Europe Museum Prize 2025, will act as the host, supported by the European Museum Forum.
The hosting of EMYA 2026 in Bilbao strengthens the city's and the region's European cultural standing, owing to its museum network, commitment to innovation, and capacity to host major international events. The congress, themed ‘Transforming the museum: Total Inclusion’, will explore how museums can overcome established structures, enhance accessibility, and foster truly inclusive cultural spaces.
The official opening of the congress took place this morning at the Euskalduna Palace, attended by Leixuri Arrizabalaga, Provincial Minister of Basque Language, Culture, and Sport; Amina Krvavac, President of the European Museum Forum; and Iurdana Acasuso, Director of Euskararen Etxea. The day featured notable contributions, including a presentation from the Manchester Museum (awarded in 2025) and the international keynote conference. Throughout the day, discussions covered the role of museums in addressing conflicts and human rights, as well as inclusion models within cultural institutions. The afternoon sessions will focus on new ways of engaging with the public, including multisensory experiences.
“"The congress not only showcases best practices in the museum field but also drives knowledge exchange, collaboration between institutions, and the development of new cultural models that are more open, inclusive, and sustainable."
The EMYA 2026 Awards ceremony will be held on June 13 at 18:00, with the participation of the General Deputy of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe, and the President of the European Museum Forum, Amina Krvavac. This ceremony is the most anticipated moment of the gathering, recognizing Europe's most outstanding museum projects. Key sector awards will be presented, including the European Museum of the Year Award, the Council of Europe Award, the Award for Environmental Sustainability, the Silletto Award for community participation, the Award for Inclusion and Hospitality, and the Kenneth Hudson Award for institutional courage.
The event will conclude with a gala dinner at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
