The Cooper Gallery wins national family friendly award 

The Cooper Gallery is thrilled to announce that it has won the Best Accessible Museum Award in the Kids in Museums’ Family Friendly Museum Awards 2024. 

Organised by Kids In Museums, the national award recognises one museum, gallery, historic home, or heritage site in the UK that goes above and beyond in providing an amazing visitor experience for families. 

Since 2004, the award has become the national quality mark for accessibility in the heritage sector. Every year, Kids in Museums receives hundreds of nominations, which are whittled down to a shortlist by an expert panel. Over the summer holidays, families have the final say by visiting each shortlisted museum and deciding the winners. 

Competing against two other museums in the Best Accessible Museum category, the win was sealed as family judges enjoyed the gallery’s accessible offer. They were impressed by the variety of hands-on interaction, including sensory backpacks and toys, as well as the Makaton signage and accessible facilities. 

The category recognises an exceptional commitment to accessibility and was judged by families with children or young people with a range of special educational needs, disabilities, and access requirements. Shortlisted venues will be given feedback on how to keep improving their offer for families. 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It is such an amazing achievement to have won this award. The team work closely with families and groups who have a range of access needs, to implement changes that have enhanced the visitor experience at The Cooper Gallery physically and digitally. The award recognises all the hard work that has been done to make our venues open for all.” 

Announced at Skipton Town Hall, below are the winners in the Kids in Museums’ Family Friendly Museum Awards 2024: 

• Best Museum Youth Group – Tees Valley Museums  

• Best Accessible Museum – The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley 

• Best Small Museum – National Civil War Centre, Norfolk 

• Best Medium Museum – Turner Contemporary, Margate 

• Best Large Museum – Young V&A, London 

For more information about The Cooper Gallery’s accessible offer, please visit www.cooper-gallery.com/accessibility. 

The Family Friendly Museum Award has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England.