A charming museum in the UK has earned recognition as the top museum in Europe. The Young V&A, a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum located in West London, was honored with the prestigious 2026 Council of Europe Museum Prize. This esteemed award, presented for nearly 50 years, acknowledges museums that significantly contribute to the appreciation of European cultural heritage, human rights, and democracy.
The Young V&A offers engaging interactive exhibits like the Spinning Sand Wheel, sensory play areas, dress-up corners, and popular toys such as Pikachu and the classic Amstrad CPC 464 Computer. Its three main galleries – Play, Imagine, and Design – cater to visitors of all ages, even accommodating infants with visually stimulating elements at their eye level.
After undergoing a three-year renovation, the Young V&A reopened in 2023 and was chosen by the Council of Europe’s Culture Committee during a meeting in Paris on December 2nd. Judges commended the museum for its blend of educational content and playful exploration, tackling real-world topics like sustainability and empathy.
Starting in February, a new exhibition at the museum will immerse visitors in the enchanting world of Aardman at the Young V&A, featuring beloved characters from Wallace & Gromit, Morph, Chicken Run, and Shaun The Sheep. The exhibit, titled “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends,” will showcase over 150 items, including rare models, sets, and storyboards from Aardman’s archives, marking the studio’s 50th anniversary.
Located in Bethnal Green, East London, the Young V&A (formerly V&A Museum of Childhood) will unveil the third exhibition, providing an insider’s look at stop-motion animation and the creative process behind Aardman’s iconic characters. Interactive activities for children, such as character design workshops and live-action video creation, will also be featured.
Guests can explore early character sketches, concept art, puppets, scripts, and set models from Aardman, in addition to optical illusion toys and historic stop-motion animation pieces from the V&A’s collection. Noteworthy highlights include original sketches of Morph, early character designs of Wallace, and exclusive items like Wallace & Gromit’s motorbike and sidecar from the acclaimed film, Vengeance Most Fowl.
Wallace & Gromit, created by Nick Park at Aardman Animations in Bristol, have earned multiple Oscars and numerous Bafta awards. Chief curator Alex Newson of the Young V&A shared insights on Aardman’s humble beginnings and enduring charm, emphasizing the studio’s handcrafted approach that resonates with audiences, especially children.
The exhibition “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends” will be open to the public from February 12 to November 15 next year.