Windermere Jetty Museum was today (Thursday 16 September) named as one of six buildings in contention to win.
No museum building has won the Stirling Prize this century.
Rhian Harris, Chief Executive of Lakeland Arts – which runs Windermere Jetty Museum, said:
“This is absolutely fantastic news. Last week the museum was named by RIBA as being one of the very best buildings in the country.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to be in contention for the Stirling Prize, the most coveted architectural award.”
“This is fabulous news for the museum, our architects Carmody Groarke, Windermere and the wider Lake District.”
The RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. The award is given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment. The winner will be announced on 14 October 2021.
Windermere Jetty Museum opened in March 2019. The team worked with expert designers, engineers and specialists, led by architects Carmody Groarke to develop the museum.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the major funder for the Museum. Grants are made possible by National Lottery players. The project is also supported by Regional Growth Fund and Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund.
It became the first contemporary building on the lakeshore for over 50 years, formed of a cluster of simple forms arranged to frame and connect views to boats, to water and the UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Last week the museum was awarded a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award by judges who found the building to have a “…restrained and simple beauty that is boldly confident in its design and delivery.”
The RIBA National Awards – which started in 1966 – are given to buildings across the UK recognised as making significant contributions to architecture.
Andy Groarke, Director Carmody Groarke, said:
“It is wonderful news that Windermere Jetty Museum has been recognised as one of the best buildings of the year by RIBA, especially in their appreciation of the importance of arts and culture following a very difficult couple of years.”
“We are indebted to our visionary client, Lakeland Arts, and the talented and dedicated team of consultants and contractors who were passionate about architecture and culture throughout the process of designing and building the museum.”
This year has been star-studded for the museum with design accolades including: RIBA North West Award 2021, RIBA North West Building of the Year Award 2021, RIBA North West Client of the Year Award 2021, RIBA National Award 2021, and now shortlisted for the Stirling Prize.
Watch the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist video:
