This award is given to a museum that has been open for over ten years and can demonstrate continuous development and achievement. Winners also included the Bath & North East Somerset Heritage, who won the Marketing Award for its campaign to introduce Mandarin Audioguides at the Roman Baths. The Natural History Museum was nominated by the British public as their favourite attraction and Kathy Gee, who picked up an award for major contributions she has made to the industry throughout her career.

Lesley Bossine, Museum Director said; “We were up against HMS Belfast and ss Great Britain, but the judges felt we were the clear winner. I can't remember the rest of the citation, I was too excited! The award is a tribute to the hard work, determination and enthusiasm of our staff and volunteers over the past 30 years.

Created by The Museums & Heritage Show and supported by the Independent newspaper, the Awards recognise and celebrate best practice within museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions.  

Following a Champagne reception and gala dinner, the Awards got underway with journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder, announcing the winners in each of the ten categories.

The Awards were judged by a panel of industry professionals, including:  Ben Gammon, previous Head of Learning of the Science Museum, Sam Mullins, Director of London Transport Museum and Diane Lees, Director of Museum of Childhood.

With hundreds of entries received, the winners spanned the entire industry, with attractions both large and small collecting awards.  Other winners at this year’s awards included Brunel’s ss Great Britain, for best permanent exhibition, and the Theatre Museum for project on a limited budget.

Anna Preedy, Director of the Museums & Heritage Show and founder of the Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence, comments: “The evening was great fun and a huge success.  Hundreds of industry professionals from all over the world joined us to celebrate the achievements of the UK’s museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions. The Awards provide those within the industry a great occasion to shout about just some of the spectacular projects that are taking place in the UK’s cultural attractions today.”

For more information about this year’s or next year’s Awards visit www.museumsandheritage.com or call 01905 724734.