National Gallery shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 following bicentennial celebrations
Art Fund has selected the National Gallery as a finalist for its 2026 Museum of the Year award, the largest museum prize globally. The winner, to be revealed on 25 June at London's Cutty Sark, will receive £120,000. Each of the four other shortlisted institutions will be awarded £20,000, marking a £5,000 increase per museum and bringing the total prize pool to £200,000. This nomination acknowledges the Gallery's exceptional bicentenary year in 2024-25, celebrated with a year-long festival. The National Gallery intends to allocate its finalist funds to UK National Programmes, reinforcing its commitment to connecting people with art across the country. Art Fund specifically recognized the institution's success in bringing audiences and significant artworks together.
Key facts
- The National Gallery is a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026.
- The winner receives £120,000.
- The winner will be announced on 25 June 2026.
- The announcement ceremony will be at Cutty Sark in London.
- Four other finalists each receive £20,000.
- The total prize money is £200,000.
- The nomination recognizes the Gallery's 2024-25 bicentenary celebrations.
- The Gallery will use its finalist money for UK National Programmes.
Entities
Institutions
- National Gallery
- Art Fund
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom