MUSEUM OF THE YEAR 2022
HOLMEGAARD WORK WINS MAJOR INTERNATIONAL PRIZE AT MUSEUMS' RESPONSE TO THE OSCARS
In May 2022, the 'EMYA' awards ceremony took place in Tartu, Estonia. And here Holmegaard Værk was named the winner of the prestigious award as European Museum of the Year in the 'Environmental Sustainability' category.
At the awards ceremony, 60 of the best museums in Europe gathered to witness the presentation of awards in categories such as European Museum of the Year, the most inclusive museum, the most courageous and controversial museum and finally the museum that has worked the most with sustainability in relation to its surrounding environment.
And it was Holmegaard Værk that won in this latter category 'Environmental Sustainability'.
NEW LIFE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The reason why it was precisely Holmegaard Værk that should receive this award this year was, among other things, that the museum has managed to preserve the heritage and tradition of glass production while at the same time creating a focal point for creativity and art in close collaboration with the surrounding community.
The museum that won this award is a new museum that works closely with the local community as a center for creative and sustainable arts and culture.
The museum is part of a local identity deeply connected to an artistic tradition with both local and international appeal. In fact, it has brilliantly managed to preserve the legacy of this tradition, not only as a factory and a brand, but also as a hub of intangible heritage and creativity in glassmaking.
A YEAR-LONG EXAM
All of the nominated European museums have been visited several times by a nomination committee, once incognito.
"It is the greatest recognition we can receive, as it comes from the museums themselves," says museum director Keld Møller Hansen, adding:
"It's an award we receive for both exhibitions and professionalism, and that's why it's really great that we've received it. It feels like having taken an exam that has lasted a whole year and is now finally over."
FACTS ABOUT EMYA
The European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) has existed for 45 years and brings together small, medium and large museums and is about promoting innovation, quality for visitors, commitment to the local community, democracy, sustainability and bridging different cultures and social and political boundaries.
EMYA has been held since 1977 and only three times in its 45-year history has a Danish museum managed to win the award. Among others, the Wadden Sea Center at Ribe and the National Museum have previously won an award.