European Museum of the Year Award 2026: Sensoria Receives Commendation
Barbara Richter (Mi.), Geschäftsführerin des Sensoria – Haus der Düfte und Aromen, nahm die besondere Auszeichnung beim European Museum of the Year Award 2026 in Bilbao entgegen.
© Hodei Torres
(eap) Germany’s Sensoria – Haus der Düfte und Aromen (House of Fragrances and Flavours) in Holzminden, which opened in 2024, has received a special commendation at the “European Museum of the Year Award 2026” (EMYA 2026). The award ceremony was held in Bilbao last weekend. With this commendation, the jury highlighted a museum concept that combines science, cultural history and sensory experiences in an exceptional way. We presented the museum concept in the cover story of EAP issue 6/2024.
“We are overwhelmed and incredibly proud,” says Barbara Richter, Managing Director of Sensoria. “A commendation at the European Museum of the Year Award is a great recognition for our entire team, our partners and the many people who believed in the vision of Sensoria. This award confirms that innovative knowledge transfer can inspire people when it combines emotion, curiosity and active participation.”
The title “Museum of the Year” was given to the Danish open-air museum Den Gamly By (National Open-Air Museum of Urban History and Culture) in Aarhus. The jury described the museum as “a pioneering institution that brings together historical and contemporary urban spaces to address pressing issues of our time – from migration to sustainability to social justice.”
The EMYA is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the European museum world. This year, a total of 34 museums from 17 countries were nominated for the award. In addition to the title “Museum of the Year”, the jury presented five special prizes and six special commendations. A full overview of the winners can be found here. The European Museum Forum presents the award annually under the auspices of the Council of Europe – next year already for the 50th time. ■
