The winners of the Leading Culture Destinations Awards, “The Oscars for Museums”, were announced tonight at a star-studded ceremony at The Langham, London and attended by artists Jake Chapman, Polly Morgan and Mat Collishaw, model and nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson, the Deputy Mayor of Quebec, wildlife photographer David Yarrow, Head of Tourism at World Economic Forum Professor Geoffrey Lipman, singer Petite Meller and rapper Akala who offered a short speech.
The Leading Culture Destinations Award winners were chosen by a jury of eleven established cultural gurus from around the world. The scheme, now in its third year, celebrates museums and cities for their dedication to cultural vitality with winners chosen based on the quality and reach of their contributions to the international cultural sphere. The awards, sponsored by Bang & Olufsen, recognise institutions, organisations, and cities that have provided exemplary contributions to local cultural life and showcase emerging destinations.
The judges review everything from audacious programming and management structures, to cross-sector collaborations and Michelin-starred restaurants, late night openings and music performances, with an overarching focus on a visionary approach to these cultural initiatives. The winners were presented with a trophy designed by United Visual Artists.
The introduction of the Soft Power Destination of the Year Awards indicates a cultural growth trend towards the global periphery as traditional artistic hubs such as London and New York no longer have the same draw for artists, and as emerging nations such as Brazil and India seek social development to match their growth in industry. However, the award winners for Leading Cultural Destination of the Year demonstrate that western countries have not completely lost their edge, and continue to work towards maintaining a wealth of cultural activity.
Also new to the Leading Culture Destinations Awards this year was a unique opportunity for guests to experience the world’s first interactive museum exhibit, brought to the ceremony by Inception VR. Viewers were able to see paintings from The Dali Theatre-Museum in Figures from both inside the museum and inside the paintings themselves. The Langham, London in partnership with Chez Roux offers guests Private Dining by Roux for special events and occasions including The Leading Culture Destinations.
The Leading Culture Destination of the Year Award winners:
- Exhibition of the Year: Proportio, at Palazzo Fortuny, Venice, curated by Axel Vervoordt and Daniela Ferretti
- Museum Architecture of the Year: The Broad Museum, Los Angeles (architect Diller Scofidio + Renfro)
- Museum Shop of the Year: Louisiana Museum, Copenhagen
- Restaurant of the Year: LouLou, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris
- Digital Museum of the Year: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Best New Museum of the Year Award winners: (opened in the last 15 months):
- Europe: Tate Modern Switch House extension, London
- North America: The Broad Museum, Los Angeles
- Central and South America: Museu do Amañha, Rio De Janeiro
- Africa: Sinthian Cultural Centre (THREAD), Senegal (highly commended)
- Asia Pacific: Design Museum Dharavi, India
The Traveller’s Award winners:
- Cultural City of the Year: Québec City
- Art Hotel of the Year Durslade Farmhouse, Hauser & Wirth Somerset, England
Soft Power Destination of the Year Award winners:
- Best Soft Power Cultural Activation Award: The Cultural Spring, Sunderland
- Best Soft Power Cultural Organisation Award: The Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Manitoba
- Best Soft Power Cultural District Award: La Ponte Ecomuséu, Villanueva de Santo Adriano, Spain
The Leading Culture Destination 2016 overall winner:
- The Broad Museum, Los Angeles