The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), after being named European Art Museum of the Year 2026 (European Art Museum Award) by the European Museum Academy, is opening its doors to the public with free admission to its entire exhibition program on Friday, October 16, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. The museum wants to share the joy of this major distinction, which honors not only the institution itself but also the country, with everyone.
“Our award, placed in a prominent spot, will be waiting for you,” EMST said in its announcement.
The award was presented on Saturday, September 26, in Alicante, Spain, recognizing the innovation, curatorial direction, track record and public role that EMST has developed in recent years. The distinction honors museums that use art in innovative ways, helping to address current social issues and highlighting the social role of cultural institutions.
THE 2026 EUROPEAN MUSEUM OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MINISTRY OF CULTURE PRESS OFFICE / EUROKINISSI)
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EMST stood out among the six finalists of the competition, which included leading European institutions such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the FENIX Museum of Migration in Rotterdam. The award is a significant recognition for the museum itself and an honor for Greece, strengthening its position on the European map of contemporary art.
The three days of free admission are an opportunity for the public to tour the museum’s spaces, discover its exhibitions and collection, or return to favorite works of art. It is an open invitation both to regular visitors and to those who want to get to know one of the most important contemporary art venues in Athens for the first time.
The award will be on display in a prominent spot, so that visitors can celebrate this important moment for EMST and Greek culture together with the museum.