The People’s History Museum has been chosen as a finalist for Museum of the Year. The Manchester attraction, which is the UK’s national museum of democracy, is one of five finalists for the biggest prize in the industry.
It will go up against stiff competition in Horniman Museum and Gardens (London), Derby Museums, Museum of Making (Derby), The Story Museum (Oxford), and Tŷ Pawb (Wrexham).
Bosses at PHM say they are ‘absolutely delighted’ to be given the nod, with the institute’s 2021 programme focusing on migration. Director Katy Ashton said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2022, which is such amazing recognition of the brilliant work of the whole museum team.
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“I’ve always been incredibly proud of our museum and truly believe there is something very special about PHM and the work it does in collaboration with communities; celebrating people’s stories, sharing our collections, bringing people together and playing an important role as a space for social action and change.”
Bernard Donoghue, Chair of People’s History Museum, added: "This is a huge honour and means so much to our staff, volunteers, supporters and stakeholders. As an activist and campaigning museum we live our values and take inspiration from our collection and the stories they tell.
“We are about 'ideas worth fighting for' and that's never felt more relevant or urgent than now. We are very grateful for this recognition; it will spur us to provide more opportunities for individuals and communities to tell their stories and inspire change."
PHM’s collection features significant historic and contemporary objects, banners, posters, and photographs that help to tell of the ongoing struggle for equity and equality by workers, reformers, voters, revolutionaries, and citizens. Many key moments have taken place in Manchester and visitors will see these stories in the galleries; the Peterloo Massacre, the suffragettes and the fight for LGBT+ rights amongst them.
The winners of the prize will claim £100,000 as a reward — with losing finalists netting £15,000 each. The ceremony takes place at the Design Museum in London on Thursday, July 14.
PHM’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The museum and its exhibitions are free to visit with a suggested donation of £5.
