A UK museum has been honored as the top museum in Europe. The Young V&A, located in London and a part of the Victoria and Albert Museum, was awarded the prestigious 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize. This accolade, given for nearly half a century, recognizes the museum’s significant contribution to the appreciation of European cultural heritage, human rights, and democracy.
Known for its engaging interactive exhibits like the Spinning Sand Wheel, sensory areas, dress-up corners, and popular toys such as Pikachu and the Amstrad CPC 464 Computer, the Young V&A’s three main galleries cater to visitors of all ages. Following a three-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2023 and was chosen for the award by the Council of Europe’s Culture Committee during a meeting in Paris on December 2nd.
A forthcoming exhibition at the Young V&A will transport visitors into the enchanting world of Aardman, featuring beloved characters like Wallace & Gromit, Morph, Chicken Run, and Shaun The Sheep. With over 150 displays, including unseen models and storyboards from Aardman’s archives, the exhibition will debut in February to celebrate the studio’s 50th anniversary.
Titled “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends,” the exhibition at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, East London, formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, will offer a unique glimpse into the art of stop-motion animation. Visitors can expect interactive activities for children, such as character design workshops and live-action video creation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view early character sketches, concept art, puppets, props, scripts, and set models from Aardman, alongside optical illusion toys and historic stop-motion animation examples from the V&A’s collection. Noteworthy exhibits include original sketches for Morph, early character designs for Wallace, and exclusive items like the motorbike and sidecar from the award-winning film, Vengeance Most Fowl.
Wallace & Gromit, created by Nick Park of Aardman Animations in Bristol, have earned multiple awards, including four Oscars and numerous Baftas. Alex Newson, the chief curator at the Young V&A, emphasized the studio’s humble beginnings and handcrafted approach that continues to charm audiences worldwide. The exhibition will run from February 12 to November 15 next year.
