The Beaney bags Best Medium Museum Award
The Beaney has won yet another prestigious national award in recognition of its quality as a family attraction in the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.
Having only just bagged a Sandford Award for their learning programme, the museum has now picked up the Best Medium Museum Award after it was nominated by the public and visited by undercover family judges over the summer holidays.
The Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award celebrates the most family-friendly heritage sites in the UK and is the only museum award to be judged by families.
Families assessed the shortlisted museums against a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages, with their experiences deciding the winners.
Cabinet Member for Heritage, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: “The Beaney is racking up so many awards this year that I can hardly keep up!
“From visiting with my children, I know first-hand how brilliant the museum is for families and it can be a real lifeline for those needing low-cost, hands-on activities to keep the little ones busy.
“The fact that the museum was nominated by the public and judged by real families makes the win all the more special.”
One family judge said: “My little one was disappointed to leave, so we will certainly be returning. Staff were available in every room and very friendly and welcoming.
“The fact that this day out was entirely free was incredible, and a great option in the current climate for a day out for the whole family.”
Another said: “People there are friendly and welcome and we feel at home. We can spend hours with activities in every room and always finding something new.
“My son loved the microscope experience and mummified the cat and played table games and quests and weekend interactive play. We love this museum, it is my son’s favourite place in Canterbury and it is free.”
In winning the award, The Beaney had to beat some other top notch nominees in the category – Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne and The MAC in Belfast.
This year, The Beaney has received the following awards recognition:
- June – highly commended in the Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion category at the MJ Awards, (the local government Oscars)
- September – a Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education
- October – highly commended in the 2023 Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards
- October – Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award – Best Medium Museum
Published: 20 October 2023