The prestigious awards celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions.

The Portsmouth Museums retail team won the award for its refit in May 2024 ahead of the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, in a tough category which included The National Gallery and National Football Museum.

Judges from the awards said: “A remarkable turnaround achieved on a shoestring budget and in record time. This small but mighty team combined creativity, smart merchandising, and huge enthusiasm to deliver impressive profits and a sustained return on investment!”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council City Council said: The changes to the shop took place against the backdrop of one of the busiest years ever of the museums history as the world commemorated the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. The project was completed at a minimal cost and against a tight deadline. Congratulations to all involved.

Bernard Donoghue OBE, Director of the Leading Association of Visitor Attractions said: The judges were hugely impressed with so many aspects of this award-winning shop transformation – the ambition, the buy-in from all of the team, the speed of the transition, the commitment and passion of everyone who played a role in this transformation and, ultimately, the huge success of a brilliant retail space. Everyone involved should be very proud of what has been achieved and other museums – big and small – should look and learn!