The Museum of Liverpool has won the prestigious 2013 Museum of Europe prize, awarded by the Council of Europe.
The prize is given to the museum that is recognised to have made a significant contribution to the understanding of European cultural heritage. It has been awarded each year since 1977.
The museum, which opened in 2011 on Liverpool’s waterfront, reflects the city’s global significance through its geography, history and culture.
It beat many others to the title and was recognised for its rich social, economic and political history within Liverpool.
The Director of National Museums Liverpool, Dr David Fleming, told JMU Journalism: “The story of Liverpool is a fantastic one, with all its highs and lows. Our aim was to create the best city museum in the world and this award gives us international acclaim.”
Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, Louise Ellman, told JMU Journalism: “I am delighted to hear this news. It is a great tribute to Liverpool and Phil Redmond, building on our 2008 success as European Capital of Culture.”
The Council of Europe said it provides “an exemplary recognition of Human Rights in museum practice.”
According to the committee the museum has an outstanding capacity to get people of all walks of life involved, bringing the local community together and offering activities that everyone can enjoy.
Phil Redmond, Chairman National Museums Liverpool, said: “This is deserved recognition not just for the Museum of Liverpool but for the city region. We consider the Museum of Liverpool to be the best new museum anywhere in Europe. Our visitors also agree, with more than 1.6 million people visiting since it opened in July 2011.”
The Museum will be presented with a bronze statuette and a diploma.
Additional reporting by Hannah Ashraf