The Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden has won the 2021 European Museum of the Year award, with the jury calling it a “very resourceful museum with beautiful exhibitions and a multitude of public services and events.”

Naturalis named European Museum of the Year

Hosted by the European Museum Forum (EMF), the European Museum of the Year awards recognise various museums across the continent under a number of categories. While the Council of Europe Museum Prize focuses on the values of democracy and human rights, the Kenneth Hudson Award goes to the museum which is the most courageous in exploring what a museum can achieve. This year’s ceremony saw 12 museums recognised across the six different categories. 

Naturalis, however, took home the big prize of the night, beating out 26 fellow nominees to be named European Museum of the Year 2021. “The European Museum of the Year Award goes to a museum which contributes most directly to attracting audiences and satisfying its visitors with a unique atmosphere, imaginative interpretation and presentation, a creative approach to education and social responsibility,” the EMF explains.

Leiden museum recognised for diverse collections with universal appeal

Naturalis was praised for its research record and diverse collections focusing on topics with universal appeal, engaging visitors in a compelling way and inviting everyone to think about and connect with the world around them, considering how they can help protect the earth’s beauty and biodiversity. 

The managing director of the museum, Edwin van Huis, was delighted by the news: “Fascination for the beauty and diversity of nature, that is the foundation of Naturalis. Thanks to our museum we can share our love and passion for nature with the public," he says.

Thumb by Mike Bink Fotografie via Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.