Juhuu!’: Denmark’s Den Gamle By wins 2026 European Museum of the Year Award
Denmark’s Den Gamle By has been named the European Museum of the Year (EMYA) for 2026, recognized for its success in blending historical preservation with urgent contemporary social issues. The Aarhus-based open-air museum received the top honor at the EMYA ceremony in Bilbao, Spain, where jurors praised its ability to serve as an evolving, community-centered space that addresses topics ranging from sustainability to migration.
How Den Gamle By redefined the museum experience
The museum, which spans 400 years of history, functions as a “living” environment rather than a static display. According to the EMYA jury, the institution was created “by ordinary people about ordinary people.” Unlike traditional museums that focus solely on artifacts, Den Gamle By integrates interactive elements—such as petting horses or visiting a mid-century SAS ticketing office—to ground history in relatable, human experiences. Daniëlle Kuijten, a jury member and co-chair, noted that the museum effectively uses these historical narratives to spark dialogue on modern challenges like social justice and equality.
Den Gamle By allows visitors to travel through time across four centuries, with exhibits covering daily life from 1600 all the way to 2014.
Why sustainability is the new focus for cultural institutions
Environmental stewardship has become a core mandate for modern museums, a shift highlighted by the EMYA judging panel. Den Gamle By earned specific praise for its “green credentials,” which include cultivating heirloom plant varieties and hosting workshops on clothing and building repair. This approach mirrors a broader trend across the 2026 award winners, where institutions are moving away from passive observation toward active participation. For instance, Finland’s Lahti Museum of Visual Arts Malva specifically won the Museum Prize for Environmental Sustainability for its work in the sector.
How global museums are fostering community engagement
The 2026 award cycle showcased a clear shift toward civic integration. The EMYA committee highlighted that successful museums now rely on volunteers to provide expert knowledge and personal narratives, effectively embedding the institution into the fabric of local life. This trend of “institutional courage” is not limited to Denmark. Other notable winners include:
- Young V&A (UK): Winner of the Council of Europe Museum Prize.
- Museum of Madness Institute (Slovenia): Recipient of the Kenneth Hudson Award for Institutional Courage.
- AlpenStadtMuseum (Germany): Awarded the Silletto Prize for Community Participation.
- Museum of the Rural Civilisation of Mendrisiotto (Switzerland): Recognized with the Portimão Museum Prize for Inclusion and Belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Museum of the Year Award?
The EMYA is a prestigious annual honor that recognizes excellence in the museum sector, focusing on innovation, community engagement, and the social relevance of cultural institutions across Europe.
How does Den Gamle By involve the public?
The museum utilizes participatory projects and a large volunteer base to ensure community members feel “seen and heard,” according to the awarding committee. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, it bridges the gap between historical research and civic life.
Where will the next EMYA ceremony take place?
The 50th anniversary of the European Museum of the Year Award will be hosted in Bern, Switzerland, on May 30, 2027.
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