Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Since 1994, the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards have recognised and celebrated excellence across the sector. These awards honour the individuals, presenting organisations, and collecting institutions that strengthen Victoria’s creative and cultural industries through outstanding work and a commitment to best practice.
AMaGA Victoria and the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) are proud to present the Awards in partnership. From groundbreaking exhibitions to community-driven initiatives, each nomination reflects the dedication and creativity shaping Victoria's cultural landscape.
2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards
Thank you to all who attended the 2026 Victorian Museum and Galleries Awards. A full list of award winners can be found here.
Nominations opened in November 2025 and closed in March 2026, with the Awards Ceremony taking place in April. —a schedule we intend to maintain going forward. This change provides greater clarity between the two award programs and ensures that Victoria’s museum and gallery sector has a dedicated platform to celebrate its achievements.
From 2027 onwards, the Awards will recognise projects or contributions from the preceding calendar year (2026).
We look forward to celebrating the sector again in 2027.
THE CATEGORIES
The Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the sector. They seek to reward presenting and collecting organisations and the individuals who support and strengthen Victoria’s creative and cultural industries through outstanding work and a commitment to best practice.
Every year, we present a total of 11 awards to individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to their field. There are four individual awards and seven project-based awards. Three of the Awards have been generously supported by our long-time industry sponsor, Archival Survival (identified by an asterisk).
Each of the following award categories is accompanied by a set of guidelines, as well as an individual nomination form. To view the guidelines, click on the pink "Guidelines" button; and to nominate, click on the orange "Nominate" button.
INDIVIDUALS
Volunteer of the Year
Change-maker of the Year
Martin Hallett Award for Community Engagement
Lifetime Achievement
ORGANISATIONS | PROJECTS
First Nations Project of the Year
(Museums/Galleries)
Volunteer-run Project of the Year
(Museums/Galleries)*
Small Project of the Year (Museums)*
Small Project of the Year (Galleries)*
Medium Project of the Year (Gallery)
Medium Project of the Year (Museums)
Large Project of the Year (Museums/ Galleries)
Information Session
In this recording of the 2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards Information Session, you’ll hear from Anne Robertson (PGAV) and Ash Robertson (AMaGA Victoria) who will discuss the award categories, guidelines – including the new selection criteria, and tips on how to make a strong nomination.
About Previous Awards
Want to see how past winners have shaped Victoria’s cultural landscape? Explore the previous Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards and discover the inspiring projects and individuals celebrated over the years!
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Hosted by proud Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman, artist, comedian, and playwright, Janty Blair, winners of the 2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced at a gala ceremony held on Tuesday 28 April at Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).
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Hosted by Australian comedian, composer, and broadcaster Sammy J, winners of the 2024 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced at a gala ceremony held on Tuesday 1 October at Science Gallery Melbourne – where art and science collide.
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Hosted by vibrant radio broadcaster Jacinta Parsons, the winners of the 2023 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards were announced on 10 October at a gala ceremony - the sector's night of nights - held at ACMI.
