A museum in the UK has been crowned the top museum in Europe. The Young V&A, a division of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, received the prestigious 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize. This award, which has been running for almost half a century, recognizes the museum that has made the most significant contribution to the understanding of European culture, human rights, and democracy.
The Young V&A features engaging interactive exhibits like the Spinning Sand Wheel, sensory zones, dress-up areas, and popular toys such as Pikachu and the classic Amstrad CPC 464 Computer. Its three primary galleries – Play, Imagine, and Design – cater to visitors of all ages, with special attention given to ensuring even babies can participate through visually stimulating elements placed at their eye level.
After undergoing a three-year refurbishment, the Young V&A reopened in 2023. It was chosen for the Council of Europe’s Culture Committee award during a meeting in Paris on December 2. Judges praised the museum for successfully blending fun and learning, while also addressing important real-world topics like sustainability and empathy.
Starting in February, a new exhibition at the museum will transport visitors into the enchanting world of Aardman at the Young V&A. This showcase will feature iconic characters like Wallace & Gromit, Morph, Chicken Run, and Shaun The Sheep, displaying over 150 exhibits, including rare models, sets, and storyboards from Aardman’s archives in celebration of the studio’s 50th anniversary.
Titled Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, this exhibition will be the third major event at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, previously known as the V&A Museum of Childhood. It will offer a unique glimpse into the art of stop-motion animation, revealing the behind-the-scenes magic of bringing Aardman’s beloved characters to life. Interactive activities for children, such as character design and creating their own videos, will also be featured.
Visitors can marvel at early character sketches, concept art, puppets, props, scripts, and set models from Aardman, along with optical illusion toys and historic stop-motion animations from the V&A’s collection. Noteworthy displays include original sketches of Morph, early designs of Wallace, a storyboard from The Wrong Trousers, and exclusive items like Wallace & Gromit’s motorbike and sidecar from Vengeance Most Fowl, a recent award-winning production.
Wallace & Gromit, created by Nick Park of Aardman Animations in Bristol, has achieved four Oscars and numerous Bafta awards. Alex Newson, the chief curator at the Young V&A, highlighted the studio’s humble beginnings and continued dedication to handcrafted animations that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The exhibition will run from February 12 to November 15 next year, offering a delightful and educational experience for visitors of all ages.