Glasgow’s newest attraction, The Riverside Museum, has been named the most innovative museum in the fields of technology, labour and social history by the European Museums Academy.
The Riverside Museum beat off competition from museums in 12
other European countries to win the 17th Micheletti Award.
The museum has already attracted more than 1.4million visitors
since it opened to the public in June last year. It was judged on a
variety of criteria ranging from the Zaha Hadid designed building,
innovation in displays, the attitude and knowledge of staff to
events the public can take part in.
In their citation, the judges noted that: "The careful planning
of the museum included involving visitors and volunteers at every
stage of the development. Advisory panels have been established,
including the educational panel which addresses children and
teachers, with a separate teens panel for high schools. There is
also a community panel for parents and older people."
The judges concluded that: "The museum has put its budget and
its large workforce to excellent use, it is completely publicly
oriented. It is making a change to a rundown neighbourhood, as well
as being a showcase of past, present and future transport
industries of Glasgow."
Dr Bridget McConnell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: "The
Micheletti Award covers almost every aspect of the work that went
into Riverside and is confirmation that Glasgow has created another
attraction to rival Europe's best.
Riverside Museum was a labour of love for hundreds of dedicated
people who worked to bring Glasgow a wonderful attraction that
celebrates the city's rich transport heritage and brings to life
the experiences of hundreds of people who used, built and enjoyed
all the objects inside."
Lawrence Fitzgerald, Riverside Museum Manager said: "The judges
were particularly impressed by the relationships the museum had
built up with people before, during and after opening and by the
range of stories told at Riverside. We always knew the old Museum
of Transport is close to the hearts of people in Glasgow and to win
this prestigious award by keeping safe the treasures of yesterday
for future generations is a proud moment for everyone at the museum
and who worked on the project."