Micropia wins prize for most innovative and groundbreaking museum of Europe

Last Saturday, Micropia was awarded for most innovative museum by European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA). The ceremony took place in San Sebastián, Spain. From among 49 nominees, Micropia was selected for the highest recognition, the Kenneth Hudson Award — a prize which is given in recognition of the most unusual and daring achievement that challenges common perceptions of the role of museums in society. The judges about Micropia: “It’s an unique and original museum presenting, in an elegant and engaging exhibition, the world of microbial life. The museum excels for high design value, effective management, and partnerships, charismatic leadership, and groundbreaking developments in display and communication.”

Micropia is also a platform, a link between the scientific community and the public. In this way, Micropia reflects the growing importance of biotechnology and life sciences.

The European Museum Forum, a body under the aegis of the Council of Europe, has been awarding the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) annually since 1977. Several special prizes were awarded as well like the Kenneth Hudson Award for most innovative museum of Europe.

Since it opened in 2014, Micropia has received numerous international nominations and awards. Micropia was one of the honorees in the Exhibition category of the American Best of Year (BOY) International Interior Design Awards in 2015. In that same year, Micropia made off with the special jury prize of the prestigious British Museum + Heritage Awards. Earlier this year, Micropia was awarded the jury prize for exhibition design during the German Design Award event.

The exhibition was designed by Kossmann.dejong, an Amsterdam-based exhibition design studio, in collaboration with ART+COM Studios.