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Art Fund 
Museum of the Year 2025

 

 

Compton Verney has been shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the UK’s most prestigious museum prize.

We’re one of just five museums across the country recognised for outstanding creativity, impact, and ambition – and we’re thrilled. 

This honour comes in recognition of our 20th anniversary – a year that’s seen us celebrate Compton Verney as a joyful, welcoming space where art, nature, and creativity collide. We’re over the moon to be recognised for the amazing things we’ve achieved together.  

A group of people are gathered around a large, abstract metal sculpture of a spider-like creature in an outdoor park setting. Some are taking photographs of the sculpture, while others observe it from different angles, appreciating the artistic installation.
Photo by Fisher Studios. Louise Bourgeois’s art is © The Easton FoundationDACS, London

The shortlisting celebrates a number of highlights from the past year, including: 

  • A bold Sculpture in the Park takeover featuring iconic artists like Sarah Lucas, Louise Bourgeois, Helen Chadwick and more 

  • A wonderful commission by Brazilian artist Erika Verzutti 

  • Deep community connections – from our monthly dementia café to early years play projects and exhibitions led by students 

  • Welcoming over 117,000 visitors – that’s a 30% jump from before the pandemic 

We’re in fantastic company too. Our fellow nominees are:

The judges will be visiting Compton Verney in May and the winner will be revealed on 26 June at a special event in Liverpool.

The 2025 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Rana Begum (Artist), Dr David Dibosa (Director of Research and Interpretation, Tate), Jane Richardson (Chief Executive, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales) and Phil Wang (Comedian, Writer, Actor).

A tall, twisted bronze sculpture resembling a pine cone or flame shape stands near the edge of a pond, reflected in the still waters, with a grand stone house visible in the background surrounded by trees.
Sculpture in the Park- Naked Venus, Erika Verzutti. Photo © Compton Verney, by Jamie Woodley

Geraldine Collinge, CEO, Compton Verney said: 

“Compton Verney is absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year for our 20th anniversary year.  2024 was an extraordinary year for Compton Verney and we were thrilled to share our wonderful programme with more visitors than ever. 

 I am looking forward to getting to know the other museums over the next few weeks and to celebrating the importance of museums to everybody’s lives.” 

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund said: 

“Congratulations to Compton Verney on being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. 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.

Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone. Art Fund is proud to celebrate their work and support their ambition through Art Fund Museum of the Year.

We hope people across the UK will be inspired to visit these remarkable places and museums in their local area to discover the powerful role they can play in our lives.” 

But honestly, this shortlisting is already a win for us – and for you.

Whether you’ve visited, supported, volunteered, partnered with us, or just cheered us on from afar, you’re part of this moment.

As one visitor perfectly said, “Compton Verney is a magic place. I always feel better after a visit.” And that’s what it’s all about.