Shoemakers Museum has been nominated for two awards!

Shoemakers has been shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museums + Heritage Awards, one of the most respected global awards celebrating excellence across museums, galleries and cultural attractions nationally.
More locally we have also been nominated for Muddy Stiletto’s 2026 Best Family Attraction award.
We couldn’t be more delighted!

Shoemakers has been shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museums + Heritage Awards, one of the most respected global awards celebrating excellence across museums, galleries and cultural attractions nationally. We have also been nominated for a more local Muddy Stiletto Best Family Attraction award. We are delighted!

The shortlisting and nomination comes less than a year after the museum first opened its doors, marking a significant milestone for the new attraction and recognising the impact it has already made within the museum sector.

Shoemakers Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Clarks archive and legacy, we welcome visitors to explore 200 years of shoemaking, design and community stories – from high street staples to fashion revolutions. Our brand new museum is located in Clarks Village, Street, and launched in September 2025 in time to mark 200 years of Clarks.

We are delighted to be recognised and enjoyed by visitors of all ages, especially our younger family visitors. The museum brings to life the global impact of a small Somerset village that helped shape how Britain – and the world – walks. We want everyone to enjoy their visit.

Shortlisted for Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the 2026 Museums + Heritage Awards

Shoemakers Museum has been shortlisted for its permanent exhibition ‘Place, People and Purpose’, which explores the rich history of footwear manufacturing and the communities that shaped it. The permanent exhibitions within the museum bring together powerful stories, objects and archives to celebrate the legacy of Clarks and the wider shoemaking industry.

The museum joins an impressive shortlist in the category, including the Natural History Museum, Science and Industry Museum, Poole Museum and Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, highlighting the strength and diversity of permanent exhibitions across the UK.

Rosie Martin, Director of Shoemakers Museum, said: “To be shortlisted for a Museums + Heritage Award less than a year after opening is incredibly exciting for us. ‘Place, People and Purpose’ was created to celebrate the stories of the people behind the shoes and the communities connected to this extraordinary industry and this recognition means a great deal to the whole team and everyone who helped bring the museum to life.”

Now in its 24th year, the Museums + Heritage Awards recognise the very best in the sector worldwide. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 13 May 2026 at the Hilton Park Lane in London.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards commented: “This year we received a record number of  entries to the Awards, which has been fantastic to see. I was particularly struck by how competitive the Community Engagement category has become. Museums and cultural organisations increasingly act as welcoming spaces at the heart of their communities and it has been inspiring to see how many projects have been developed in genuine collaboration with those communities. Many exhibitions and initiatives have been co-curated, placing community voices front and centre and creating space for stories to be shared in ways that are imaginative, inclusive and far less prescriptive.”

The museum was created with the expertise of designers Nissen Richards Studio, and architects at Purcell Architecture who  have built a brand new gallery buildings and our award nominated permanent exhibition.

Nominated for Somerset and Dorset Muddy Stiletto Best Family Experience

Shoemakers Museum has been nominated by a Muddy reader as BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE in Dorset, Somerset & Bristol in the Muddy Awards 2026, supported by Hall & Woodhouse. They are the UK’s largest local lifestyle business awards.

Muddy Stiletto champion businesses that bring a buzz to the local area. Run with positivity, community and a sense of fun these awards help  organisations. shine, grow, attract new customers – and also say THANK YOU in a really tough climate. We have received a nomination for best family experience. We are delighted as through our interactives, activities, education space and the colourful design of the museum we’ve paid a lot of attention to ensure families feel welcome and have a great day out.

Please vote for us! This award is a popularity contest and those with the most votes win – its free to add your nomination it takes just seconds. So please give us a big thumbs up and help us get through to the next round by adding your vote.
The deadline for voting is 23 March.

Please add your vote