The Bristol attraction was the only UK museum receiving a European award this year, with Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in the Netherlands receiving the top accolade and just three other museums getting prizes along with eight commendations.
Judges cited Brunel’s SS Great Britain’s quality of welcome to visitors by its highly trained and enthusiastic staff and volunteers. They considered all elements of the museum’s work including its human qualities, physical environment and events and activities which all contribute to the friendly atmosphere.
Chief Executive of the SS Great Britain Trust, Matthew Tanner, said:
“Receiving this fantastic recognition for the friendly welcome and outstanding experience we give to visitors at the SS Great Britain is amazing. We have more costumed characters, volunteers and staff than ever before, all contributing to giving visitors the best immersive day out as they step back in time and feel Victorian history and innovation come alive around them. With the new Being Brunel experience now open and the addition of family programming during school holidays, we’re seeing even more visitors using the year-round free return visits as there’s too much to see during one single visit.”
