The Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao hosted this past weekend the European Museum of the Year Awards (EMYA) 2026, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the European museum sector. The main award for the 2026 edition, the European Museum of the Year Award, went to Den Gamle By. National Open-Air Museum of Urban History and Culture, located in Aarhus (Denmark), for its museological proposal and its ability to bring urban and cultural history closer to the public.
These awards, promoted by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and organized by Euskararen Etxea together with the European Museum Forum, brought together museum representatives and professionals from across the continent in the Biscayan capital. Alongside the main prize, other recognitions were presented at an event concluding a four-day congress held in Bilbao.
The European Museum of the Year Awards have established themselves as a leading international reference.
Among the other awards, the Council of Europe Museum Prize was given to Young V&A, from London. The Kenneth Hudson Award for Institutional Valor and Professional Integrity distinguished the Museum of Madness Institute, from Trate (Slovenia). The Portimão Museum Award for Welcome, Inclusion and Belonging went to the Museum of the Rural Civilisation of Mendrisiotto, in Stabio (Switzerland), and the Silletto Award for Community Participation and Engagement recognized the Alpenstadtmuseum Sonthofen, from Sonthofen (Germany).
Sustainability also played a significant role in this edition of the EMYA. The Museum Award for Environmental Sustainability was granted to the Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva, from Lahti (Finland), for its commitment to integrating environmental criteria in museum management and activities.
The 2026 edition brought together a total of 34 museums from 17 countries, presenting their projects to a specialized jury and industry professionals from various parts of Europe. During the four-day congress in Bilbao, key challenges facing museums today were addressed: innovation, accessibility, inclusion, and their role as spaces for societal dialogue.
With nearly five decades of history, the European Museum of the Year Awards have become a leading international benchmark, recognizing initiatives that combine quality, creativity, and impact on citizens. Under the theme 'Transforming the museum: Total Inclusion,' the event highlighted the need for these institutions to evolve to meet the demands of increasingly diverse communities, moving beyond traditional models and strengthening their social dimension. The next edition of the awards will take place in Bern (Switzerland).
