European price to The University Museum of Bergen
The University Museum of Bergen won the prestigious European Museum Award for the way they receive the public.
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The University Museum of Bergen, Natural History won the award "THE PORTIMÃO MUSEUM PRIZE FOR WELCOMING, INCLUSION AND BELONGING". They receive the award for their audience work, and the way they contribute to society.
- This is a recognition of the work UiB and the University Museum did in the rehabilitation of Muséplassen 3 and in the development of new exhibitions. The University Museum's investment in research communication has resulted in a university museum of a high international standard that we can be proud of, says museum director Kari Loe Hjelle.
UiB Rector Margareth Hagen is pleased with the recognition.
- This is a proud day for the University of Bergen. The University Museum is closely linked to the university's identity. Not only is it the university's precursor, but today it is also one of our most important arenas for research communication. The museum gives us a unique opportunity to meet the community around us. At the same time, it is more than a dissemination arena. It is also an important participant in research and administration, she says.
In its justification for the award, the jury writes, among other things:
The museum has strong ties to the institution to which it belongs. With all its exhibitions, the museum perfectly fulfills its social function and demonstrates how a university can benefit from its museum to contribute to society by imparting knowledge with an enthusiastic participation from the public, who clearly feel very welcome in this museum.
Also in 2021, the museum received recognition for the rehabilitation and further development of the University Museum, Natural History. At that time, the university museum was named "Museum of the Year in Norway" by the Norwegian Museums Association.
- At a time when we see increased skepticism towards research-based knowledge, the University Museum's commitment to research communication is an important strategy for the University of Bergen to give back to society and facilitate knowledge-based decisions, says head of research communication at the University Museum, Eli Hausken.
She believes that it is unique that the University Museum not only disseminates knowledge, but also shows the research process itself to the public.
The Council of Europe's Museum Forum awards museum prizes.