Commendation anchors Museum in Docklands amongst European Elite

26 May 2005

Museum in Docklands has received a commendation in the 2005 European Museum of the Year Award. The prestigious competition rewards innovations and achievements considered likely to have a significant influence in the national and international museum field.

Museum in Docklands impressed the judging committee with its creative displays and interactive galleries, and its commitment to social inclusion.

The committee noted: "At Canary Wharf in London the Museum in Docklands is perfectly housed in one of the oldest dock warehouses and was particularly praised for its inventive use of audio-visuals and its work as a bridge between the rich companies in the area and the poor in the East End of London."

The 2005 Award saw 56 entries from 20 countries, and the overall winner was the Open Air Museum at Arnhem in the Netherlands.  Presentations were made in Brussels by Sir Neil Cossons and Queen Fabiola of Belgium, and the Museum in Docklands was awarded one of the Certificates of Commendation, recognising its “noteworthy achievement in raising the public quality of its museum collections.”

David Spence, Director of Museum in Docklands, said: “This commendation is fantastic news for the Museum.  To gain such international recognition within two years of opening really helps to put us on the map in the museum world, in London’s cultural landscape, and, most importantly, within our local community here in Docklands.

“We are delighted that the judges praised both the innovation in our galleries and our programmes for community involvement, and will strive to continue in this way.”

Museum in Docklands
West India Quay
London E14

Open daily, 10.00am-6pm, last admission 5.30pm
Annual ticket: adults £5, concs £3, under-16s, NUS card holders, and disabled carers free.

Recorded information: 0870 444 3856
www.museumindocklands.org.uk

Further information and images from:

Tim Morley
tel: 020 7814 5607/5503
email: tmorley@museumindocklands.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. Museum in Docklands opened in 2003 and is a short walk along West India Quay from the Docklands Light Railway. Housed in a converted 18th century warehouse the Museum explores the 2000-year history of London’s river, port and people.
   
   The atmospheric Museum has four floors of interactive displays and a unique collection that journey through the history of the Thames, from the first Roman settlements to the massive urban regeneration that brought the Docklands into the 21st century.
   
   A changing programme of fun and interesting activities caters for all ages and includes re-enactments by old sailors, talks by history experts, films and guided walks through Docklands.  For more information, directions and details about our events go to www.museumindocklands.org.uk or call 0870 444 3857.
2. The European Museum of the Year Award is open to museums across Europe. Eligible for the award are (a) established museums, which have completed a substantial programme of modernisation, extension, reorganisation or re-interpretation during the past two years and (b) new museums, first opened to the public during the past two years.
3. The winner holds a Henry Moore sculpture trophy for one year while certificates are awarded to a small number of museums which are considered to deserve special commendation.
4. The last winner from the UK was the V&A for its British Galleries in 2002.
5. Museum in Docklands is part of the Museum of London Group. Visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk for information on other venues in the Group.