Historic Preston museum The Harris shortlisted for two national awards
Preston's iconic Harris Museum has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Museums + Heritage Awards, recognising its creative programming and ambitious restoration project.
This year’s shortlist, which includes entrants from all over the United Kingdom as well as museums and other cultural organisations in 10 other countries ranging from Malta to Australia and Spain, have been chosen by an independent panel of nine judges.
The shortlist reflects the diversity of the Museum and Heritage sector featuring organisations such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and Jane Austen’s House as well as national museums such as the Natural History Museum among the 19 categories.
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The Harris has been shortlisted in two categories, recognising both its creative programming and its major restoration project.
Now a newly-blended museum, art gallery and library, the Preston monument reopened in September after a four-year, £19m renovation. It had attracted almost 155,000 visitors by the end of 2025.
The Harris’ recent and hugely popular exhibition, Wallace and Gromit In A Case at the Museum, has been shortlisted for Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year (budget less than £80k), celebrating the success of the major animation exhibition which brought the beloved characters back to Preston and attracted thousands of visitors.
The venue has also been shortlisted for Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year for Harris Your Place, the landmark project designed by Buttress Architects.
The nomination recognises the ambitious transformation and conservation of the historic building, revitalising the Grade I listed cultural venue while preserving its heritage and expanding its role as a civic space for Preston and beyond.
Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member of Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “We’re incredibly proud to see The Harris recognised with two shortlisting’s at the Museum + Heritage Awards.
“From the creativity of the Wallace and Gromit exhibition to the transformational Harris Your Place project, these nominations highlight the ambition and dedication of everyone involved in reimagining this much-loved cultural landmark.
“It’s a fantastic reflection of the work being done to ensure The Harris continues to inspire residents and visitors while preserving its historic significance for future generations.”
The winners will be announced at a sparkling ceremony in London on Wednesday, May 13.
Director Neal Charlton, Buttress Architects, added: “Being shortlisted for Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year is a wonderful recognition of what The Harris means to Preston and its communities.
“Harris Your Place has been an opportunity to work with a building of national significance while ensuring it continues to evolve as a welcoming, relevant civic space for future generations.
"This nomination reflects the dedication of everyone involved - from the client side, the project team and specialists to the wider community who helped shape the vision. We’re incredibly proud to see The Harris celebrated alongside so many exemplary projects across the sector.”
The Harris reopened Sunday, September 28 2025 following a £19m capital redevelopment project made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Preston City Council, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council, and many other partners and supporters.