EMYA2027
Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony
26–30 May 2027 • Bern • Switzerland

Celebrating Fifty Years of EMYA

The European Museum Forum, together with the Bern Museum Quarter, is bringing the 50th anniversary edition of the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) to Bern, the centre of Swiss political life. From 26 to 30 May 2027, the city will host the European museum community for a special anniversary edition of the Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony and become the heart of the European museum scene.

EMYA

2027 marks fifty years of celebrating excellence, innovation and public quality in European museums. Founded in 1977 under the auspices of the Council of Europe, EMYA recognises outstanding achievements across the museum sector. The scheme is run by the European Museum Forum (EMF), an NGO based in England and Wales. Each year, around 45 museums from the 46 Council of Europe member states apply for the prestigious awards.

© Krzysztof Karpiński

The Awards

The two main awards, the EMYA and the Council of Europe Museum Prize, together with other prizes in the EMYA scheme, highlight museums that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and democratic values. Democracy, human rights, diversity and inclusion are core principles of EMYA, and public quality is a key criterion in the judging process. These values are also reflected in the host city. Bern is committed to strengthening democratic culture and encouraging political participation across all sections of society.

© Jan Szewczyk

EMYA2027 in Bern

The 50th edition will be hosted by the Bern Museum Quarter. Its eleven institutions bring together culture, history, science, art and innovation under a single umbrella. With more than 520,000 visitors a year, the Bern Museum Quarter is one of Switzerland’s most visited cultural destinations. Hosting EMYA2027 offers Bern and its cultural institutions an international platform, with guests from across the European and Swiss museum community expected to attend. Alongside the specialist programme, a diverse range of activities will be offered to the local public.

Bern Museum Quarter

  • © Stefan Wermuth
  • © Anja Wille Schori
  • © Nelly Rodriguez
  • © Nelly Rodriguez
  • © Thijs Wolzak

Stay tuned.

This is the official EMYA2027 Bern website. All key information will be announced here.