The EMYA award, presented under the auspices of the Council of Europe since 1977, recognizes museums that bring new ideas and transformative practices to the field. This year, 35 museums are competing for the honor, including another Finnish nominee, Museo Leikki from Espoo.
Opened in spring 2022, Malva impressed the jury as a powerful example of how museums can transform their surroundings and the urban landscape.
– Malva brings together local and international culture, creating accessible experiences for diverse audiences, said EMYA judge Agnes Aljas.
The winners will be announced on June 13, 2026, in Bilbao during the EMYA Annual Conference, which gathers museum professionals from across Europe to share ideas and best practices.
– It’s a great honor to be among such outstanding museums. We look forward to the June event, says Malva’s Director, Tuulia Tuomi.
Malva has already received several accolades, including Yle’s Cultural Act of the Year 2023, the Aukusti Cultural Award, and recognition as Finland’s Museum of the Year 2025 as part of Lahti City Museums.