Otar Lortkipanidze Vani Archeological Museum of Georgian National Museum has received the Silletto Prize for Community Participation and Engagement in this year’s European Museum of the Year Award.

Jury Chair Amina Krvavac said: “Many museums among the nominees stood out for their exceptional and inspiring work, which presented a challenge for the jury tasked with selecting this year’s winners. Nevertheless, the jury approached its duty with care and diligence, considering the specific criteria for each award before making the final decisions.”

According to the EMYA website, “Part of the Georgian National Museum, the Otar Lordkipanidze Vani Archaeological Museum aims to shape new perspectives and understandings of the city-site of Vani, an archaeological site and religious centre linked to the mythical Golden Fleece.”

“In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the site-museum offers a broad range of educational programmes and serves as a research laboratory. As the region’s largest and only multifunctional public space, it is also a place for regional and international scientific meetings,” it went on.

Thirty-three museums from eighteen Council of Europe member states took part in this 46th annual competition of the EMYA programme.