V&A Dundee has been crowned the Best Medium Museum in the UK for families

V&A Dundee has been recognised as one of the UK’s most family-friendly museums after winning the Best Medium Museum category at this year’s Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards.

The award, voted for by families across the UK, celebrates museums, galleries and heritage sites that go the extra mile to create memorable and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Competing against three other finalists, V&A Dundee impressed family judges with its wide range of children’s activities, from craft sessions and sensory baskets to soft toys and board games.

Judges praised the museum’s inclusive approach, noting that children were offered free entry to all areas, including ticketed exhibitions.

They also highlighted the welcoming staff and the museum’s ongoing partnerships with local community groups. One family judge described the experience as “just a wonderful visit”, adding that children were “integral to the whole ethos of the museum”.

They continued: “Even if they didn’t visit the exhibitions, a family could quite happily spend a couple of hours playing, reading books and doing the craft activities, all for free. What a wonderful resource for Dundee.”

V&A Dundee’s learning programme, supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, offers over 100 days of free designer-led creative events each year.

With free entry for under 18s to ticketed exhibitions, the museum continues to provide opportunities for both locals and visitors to explore design in fun and accessible ways.

Currently, the museum is hosting the Family Learning Festival: Watercolour Worlds (4–19 October), inviting families to discover Beatrix Potter’s love of Scottish landscapes, flora and fauna.

Regular and seasonal activities such as the Selkie Trail, Drop in + Design, and Shake, Rattle & Stroll also encourage creativity and connection through hands-on design experiences.

Tracey Smith, Learning Programme Producer – Families at V&A Dundee, said: “Our entire museum team are delighted to receive this award and want to thank all the families who voted for us.

It means a lot to have our programme recognised by children and their grown-ups. We’re honoured to be part of the Kids in Museums family and congratulate The Burrell Collection on their award in the large museum category.”

Alison Bowyer, Executive Director of Kids in Museums, added: “Congratulations to V&A Dundee. Winning the Best Medium Museum category is a tremendous achievement. It’s clear how much our undercover judges enjoyed visiting V&A Dundee with its excellent family activities, thoughtful facilities and family-friendly café. As many museums continue to face financial pressures, it’s wonderful to see such dedication to family audiences.”