The prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year awards were hosted aboard the historic Cutty Sark, crowning The Box Plymouth as the winner in a spectacular fusion of maritime heritage and cultural excellence.

  • The Box Plymouth emerged as the winner of the Museum of the Year award.
  • The winner received a £120,000 prize, with each finalist receiving £20,000.
  • The ceremony was hosted at the Dry Berth of the legendary Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich.

In a stunning display of cultural celebration, the Cutty Sark, one of Britain's most revered maritime landmarks, served as the backdrop for the Art Fund Museum of the Year awards. The event brought together the elite of the museum and cultural sector, transforming a historic vessel into a contemporary hub of recognition and prestige.

The collaboration began as a strategic vision between Mileva Corenthin of Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) and Nadia, Art Fund’s Senior Events Producer. After initial site visits and meticulous planning, the synergy between the Art Fund's vision and RMG's passion for the Cutty Sark resulted in a seamless execution. The production was brought to life by SLX Production and Lettice Events, who ensured the heritage site was respected while implementing high-end modern event standards.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that leveraging heritage sites for high-profile corporate and cultural events creates a "halo effect," where the prestige of the location enhances the perceived value of the award. This synergy between history and modern achievement reinforces the identity of museums as evolving spaces rather than static archives.

The heart of the evening was the Dry Berth, located beneath the ship's gleaming copper hull. Using striking pink and blue lighting, SLX Production created an atmosphere of intimacy and impact. The finalists—including The Fitzwilliam Museum, The National Gallery, The V&A East Storehouse, and Norwich Castle Museum—competed for the top honor, which eventually went to The Box Plymouth for its ambitious and welcoming approach to public engagement.

"Integrating world-class events into heritage environments breathes new life into history, making it accessible and relevant for a modern global audience."

Beyond the awards, the evening offered guests an exclusive experience. Following an announcement by RMG Director Paddy Rogers, the ship's upper decks were opened, allowing attendees to explore the vessel's historic character under the evening light of Greenwich. The culinary experience, managed by Lettice Events, featured a bespoke "Italian Greyhound" herbal gin cocktail and a dessert station designed to complement the venue's wooden accents.

Award Tier Prize Amount / Detail
Winner (The Box Plymouth) £120,000
Finalists £20,000 each
Venue Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Did You Know?: The Cutty Sark was once the fastest tea clipper of its time, designed to carry tea from China to London with unprecedented speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Museum of the Year award?
It recognizes museums that have made a significant impact through innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.

2. Who won the award this year?
The Box Plymouth was named the winner for its ambitious and welcoming approach to museum curation.