People's History Museum one of five attractions up for Museum of the Year award

The People’s History Museum has been chosen as a finalist for Museum of the Year. The Manchester attraction, which is the UK’s national museum of democracy, is one of five finalists for the biggest prize in the industry.

It will go up against stiff competition in Horniman Museum and Gardens (London), Derby Museums, Museum of Making (Derby), The Story Museum (Oxford), and Tŷ Pawb (Wrexham).

Bosses at PHM say they are ‘absolutely delighted’ to be given the nod, with the institute’s 2021 programme focusing on migration. Director Katy Ashton said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2022, which is such amazing recognition of the brilliant work of the whole museum team.

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“I’ve always been incredibly proud of our museum and truly believe there is something very special about PHM and the work it does in collaboration with communities; celebrating people’s stories, sharing our collections, bringing people together and playing an important role as a space for social action and change.”

Bernard Donoghue, Chair of People’s History Museum, added: "This is a huge honour and means so much to our staff, volunteers, supporters and stakeholders. As an activist and campaigning museum we live our values and take inspiration from our collection and the stories they tell.

“We are about 'ideas worth fighting for' and that's never felt more relevant or urgent than now. We are very grateful for this recognition; it will spur us to provide more opportunities for individuals and communities to tell their stories and inspire change."

PHM’s collection features significant historic and contemporary objects, banners,