Perth Museum has been nominated for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, a prestigious award celebrating innovation and exceptional contributions to the UK’s cultural landscape. The museum is the sole Scottish institution among the five shortlisted finalists, vying for the £120,000 grand prize. Each runner-up will receive £15,000.
Since its grand opening in the revitalized Perth City Hall building last March, the £27 million museum has garnered significant attention and praise, welcoming over 258,000 visitors. Its nomination for this internationally recognized award further solidifies its position as a leading cultural attraction in Scotland. Community Pride and Economic Boost
Local leaders and residents alike have expressed immense pride in the museum’s achievement. This nomination is not just a win for the museum itself but also for the people of Perth and Kinross. Culture Perth and Kinross, the organization managing the museum, highlighted the substantial positive impact on the city centre, reporting an estimated two million additional visits since the museum’s opening, bolstering local businesses and tourism.
Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, emphasized that this nomination reflects the collective effort of everyone involved, stating, “This nomination belongs to the people of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, and all our staff, volunteers, supporters, and contributors who have helped make Perth Museum a very special place since we opened just over a year ago.” A Museum Redefining Expectations
The Art Fund, a national charity supporting museums and galleries, recognizes institutions that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments, impactful programs, and significant engagement with their communities. Perth Museum’s dedication to showcasing local history, art, and culture, alongside its innovative approach to visitor experience, makes it a strong contender for the top prize.
The museum is competing against distinguished institutions from across the UK, including Beamish, The Living Museum of the North; Chapter in Cardiff; Compton Verney in Warwickshire; and the Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast. The winner will be announced at a special event held at the Museum of Liverpool on June 26th. New Macbeth Exhibition Launches
Coinciding with the award shortlist announcement, Perth Museum has launched its latest exhibition, “Macbeth: An Exhibition.” This captivating display delves into the historical and literary figure of Macbeth, exploring the impact of both the real king and Shakespeare’s tragic hero on Scotland, with a particular focus on Perthshire’s connection to the Macbeth story. Visitors with Art Passes can currently enjoy free entry to the exhibition, adding another layer of excitement to the museum’s recent string of successes.
Art Fund Director, Jenny Waldman, praised the finalists, stating, “This year’s finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best – deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas.” The sentiment resonates strongly within Perth and Kinross, where anticipation builds for the final award decision in June.
Perth Museum’s success serves as an example of how cultural institutions can contribute to community engagement, economic development, and historical understanding. The museum invites the community to share in their pride and visit the museum to explore its rich collections and the new Macbeth exhibition.
Since its grand opening in the revitalized Perth City Hall building last March, the £27 million museum has garnered significant attention and praise, welcoming over 258,000 visitors. Its nomination for this internationally recognized award further solidifies its position as a leading cultural attraction in Scotland. Community Pride and Economic Boost
Local leaders and residents alike have expressed immense pride in the museum’s achievement. This nomination is not just a win for the museum itself but also for the people of Perth and Kinross. Culture Perth and Kinross, the organization managing the museum, highlighted the substantial positive impact on the city centre, reporting an estimated two million additional visits since the museum’s opening, bolstering local businesses and tourism.
Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, emphasized that this nomination reflects the collective effort of everyone involved, stating, “This nomination belongs to the people of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, and all our staff, volunteers, supporters, and contributors who have helped make Perth Museum a very special place since we opened just over a year ago.” A Museum Redefining Expectations
The Art Fund, a national charity supporting museums and galleries, recognizes institutions that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments, impactful programs, and significant engagement with their communities. Perth Museum’s dedication to showcasing local history, art, and culture, alongside its innovative approach to visitor experience, makes it a strong contender for the top prize.
The museum is competing against distinguished institutions from across the UK, including Beamish, The Living Museum of the North; Chapter in Cardiff; Compton Verney in Warwickshire; and the Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast. The winner will be announced at a special event held at the Museum of Liverpool on June 26th. New Macbeth Exhibition Launches
Coinciding with the award shortlist announcement, Perth Museum has launched its latest exhibition, “Macbeth: An Exhibition.” This captivating display delves into the historical and literary figure of Macbeth, exploring the impact of both the real king and Shakespeare’s tragic hero on Scotland, with a particular focus on Perthshire’s connection to the Macbeth story. Visitors with Art Passes can currently enjoy free entry to the exhibition, adding another layer of excitement to the museum’s recent string of successes.
Art Fund Director, Jenny Waldman, praised the finalists, stating, “This year’s finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best – deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas.” The sentiment resonates strongly within Perth and Kinross, where anticipation builds for the final award decision in June.
Perth Museum’s success serves as an example of how cultural institutions can contribute to community engagement, economic development, and historical understanding. The museum invites the community to share in their pride and visit the museum to explore its rich collections and the new Macbeth exhibition.