PLYMOUTH — The Box, the Devon museum and gallery crowned Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, drew large crowds on Saturday as visitors arrived to see the venue celebrated by judges as a "true jewel" of British culture. Staff said admissions rose sharply over the weekend.

The Box won the £120,000 prize on Thursday evening, with judges praising the institution for "reimagining what a museum can be" since it opened in 2020. The venue brings together Plymouth's art, archives, natural history and maritime collections under one roof on the city's historic North Hill site.

Jenny Waldman, director of the Art Fund and chair of the judging panel, described The Box as "ambitious and welcoming" when announcing the award.

The museum's leadership said the prize money would support new exhibitions, community programmes and efforts to widen access for local schools and families. The win is expected to boost cultural tourism across the South West, where Plymouth has invested heavily in regeneration around its waterfront.

Local business groups said the recognition would draw additional visitors during the busy summer season. Victoria Pomery, chief executive of The Box, said the award was "a tremendous moment for Plymouth and for everyone who has supported us since we opened."