The Ulster Museum has been shortlisted for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize 2010, along with three other institutions (the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Blists Hill Victorian Town and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry). The winner will be announced on June 30th.

BY BEN FINCH

All four museums have been significantly redeveloped over the past few years. Development of the Ulster Museum cost £17.8 million and since re-opening in October 2009 has become Northern Ireland’s busiest tourist attraction.

Tim Cooke, Director of National Museums NI, said, “We are delighted to be selected for this final stage and are committed to extending engagement with our museum and its collections.” Kirsty Young, chair of the judging panel commented on how the “exceptional quality” of the longlist made the selection a “challenging task”.

A public poll is being used for the first time to inform the judges on their final decision. This closes on June 18th. The Ulster Museum is currently placed first with 35.6% of the vote.