Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology Shortlisted for Kids in Museums Accessibility Award 2026

The Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology has been recognised for its efforts in making history accessible to everyone by being shortlisted for the prestigious Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award. This award, which has been celebrating the best family-friendly museums in the UK since 2004, focuses on the most welcoming and enjoyable experiences for families visiting heritage sites. The museum is competing in the Best Accessible category, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Hull and East Riding Museum's Journey

The museum invites visitors to explore a timeline spanning 235 million years, offering a chance to see everything from magnificent mammoths to stunning Roman mosaics. It provides an engaging way for families to learn about different historical periods, including the Saxon invaders and the Iron Age. Visitors can even stroll through a reconstructed Iron Age village and peek into a Roman bathhouse, making history come alive in an exciting and interactive manner. Esther Hallberg, the Hull Museums Access and Inclusion Manager, expressed pride in the museum's nomination, stating, “Hull and East Riding is a hidden gem of a museum and we’re so proud it’s been nominated by the public. We’re especially pleased that it’s for accessibility, which is something we’ve been working really hard to improve over recent years.” This reflects the museum's ongoing efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can enjoy its offerings.

A Focus on Accessibility

Accessibility is a crucial aspect of the museum's mission. Over the past few years, the team has worked diligently to enhance the experience for all visitors, particularly those with disabilities. This commitment is evident in the museum's facilities and services, which aim to provide a welcoming environment for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. The Kids in Museums initiative promotes accessibility in museums across the UK, encouraging institutions to adopt simple guidelines that make visits enjoyable for everyone. The Hull and East Riding Museum is proud to be part of this movement, striving to be a place where history is not only preserved but also shared with all.

Public Involvement and Voting Process

From February to late April 2026, families across the UK were invited to vote for their favourite heritage attractions on the Kids in Museums website. This public voting process is unique because it allows families to have a direct say in which museums are recognised for their efforts. Following the public nominations, a panel consisting of museum experts and young people carefully reviewed the submissions and shortlisted 20 outstanding heritage attractions, including the Hull and East Riding Museum. Over the summer holidays, undercover family judges will visit the shortlisted museums to evaluate them based on the Kids in Museums Manifesto. This manifesto outlines what makes a great museum visit for families, ensuring that judges assess each location fairly and thoroughly. Their experiences will ultimately determine the winner in each award category, with the overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2026 set to be announced at a ceremony in October.

Community Support and Future Aspirations

Cllr Jackie Dad, the deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture, shared her excitement about the museum's nomination, saying:

“This is fantastic news for Hull Museums and I wish the team lots of luck – bring that award home!”

This sentiment reflects the community's pride in the museum and its contributions to the cultural landscape of Hull. The recognition from Kids in Museums not only highlights the museum's efforts but also inspires continued improvement and innovation. The team hopes to build on their previous success, as they were runners-up alongside the Streetlife Museum in 2024. With this nomination, the aim is to surpass past achievements and bring home the award.

Funding and Support

The Family Friendly Museum Award is supported by funding from Arts Council England, which plays a vital role in promoting and recognising the importance of accessibility in cultural spaces. This backing ensures that initiatives like the Family Friendly Museum Award can continue to thrive, encouraging museums to become more inclusive and welcoming to families. By focusing on accessibility and family engagement, the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology not only enhances its visitor experience but also contributes to a broader movement that values inclusivity in cultural heritage. As the museum prepares for the upcoming awards, the excitement in the community is palpable, with hopes high that this treasured favourite will shine brightly on the national stage.