Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings is celebrating national recognition after winning the prestigious Permanent Exhibition of the Year award at the Museums and Heritage Awards, announced at the annual ceremony attended by leading museums and heritage organisations from across the UK and globally. The award recognises excellence in permanent exhibitions and celebrates projects that deliver outstanding visitor experience, storytelling and impact. In announcing the award, the judges praised Avoncroft’s exhibition, stating: “This winner is a perfect David and Goliath moment — a small-scale co-curated exhibition delivered on a very small budget that is, in every sense, outstanding. It is a masterclass in authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling.” The award was collected on behalf of the Museum by Director Zoe Willems alongside Sheldon Chadwick, a seventh-generation Showman and founder and chair of the Showmen’s Mental Health Awareness Charity, whose involvement helped shape the exhibition’s powerful and authentic voice. Magnificent interior of Showman’s Wagon, with hand painted ceiling and wall decorations, cut glass mirrors, mahogany furniture. Speaking after the ceremony, Zoe Willems said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. To be recognised on a national stage alongside some of the largest museums and heritage organisations in the country is incredibly special. This exhibition was created with commitment to telling real stories with honesty and care. We are so proud of everyone involved, particularly those members of the Showmen community who so generously shared their stories.” Sheldon Chadwick added: “This project has always been about sharing lived experiences and creating understanding through storytelling. To see it recognised in this way is deeply meaningful, and I hope it encourages even more conversations around community, heritage and mental health.” The award marks a major achievement for the independent museum, highlighting the impact that smaller organisations can have with small budgets (thanks to the Association of Independent Museums and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through their New Stories New Audiences programme) through creativity, collaboration and community-led interpretation. Located in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings is home to a nationally significant collection of rescued and reconstructed historic buildings, celebrating everyday life and lived experience through immersive heritage storytelling. For opening dates and further information, visitors are encouraged to follow Avoncroft Museum’s website and social media channels
