The European Museum of the Year Award Goes To.... : Etno, Valencian Museum of Ethnology

Organised by the European Museum Forum and hosted by the Barcelona History Museum - MUHBA, the event took place in a traditional EMYA format with a physical, rich and intense annual conference and award ceremony and brought together members of the EMYA community including this year’s nominees, former winners, partners and friends.

This year, the main theme of the conference was defined as “Democracy and Democratization: Urgent Challenges Today”

Each year, the European Museum of the Year Award goes to a museum which contributes profoundly to our understanding of the world as well as to the development of new paradigms and professional standards in museums. Within a distinctive overall atmosphere, the winning museum shows creative and imaginative approaches to the production of knowledge, to interpretation, presentation and social responsibility - all from a transparent base of core values of democracy, human rights, and inter-cultural dialogue, a commitment to sustainability, a practice of inclusion and community participation, and a recognition of conflicts and the courage needed to confront them.

The 2023 winner of the European Museum of the Year Award, L'Etno, Valencian Museum of Ethnology operates with a strong ethical foundation and a passionate commitment to effecting positive change in the region. It bravely confronts the past in order to navigate an uncertain future. The museum values open and inclusive dialogue, and strives to provide universal access for visitors. Through the sharing and discussion of hidden histories, the museum seeks to honour the right of local communities to understand their past and acknowledge their painful experiences.

Photo credit: Permanent exhibition “Not Easy to be Valencian”. The City: Global and Local. Tower of electrical appliances. Author:  Hector Juan © L’ETNO