Between the universal and the local: An assessment of museum designs in turkey in light of the european museum of the year

Awards are significant tools that enhance the visibility of institutions' achievements and increase their recognition on both national and international scales. In the field of museology, awards play a decisive role in encouraging innovative practices, improving social engagement, and evaluating institutional vision. In this context, the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA), established in 1977, guides the development of contemporary museology by offering a prestigious and multi-layered evaluation system. The award is presented annually by the European Museum Forum (EMF) in various categories: the EMYA Grand Prize, the Kenneth Hudson Award, the Silletto Prize, the Council of Europe Museum Prize, the Meyvaert Prize, and the Special Commendation. This study analyzes the principles and value system of EMYA through the winners of each category over the last five years. Based on the findings, the designs and institutional approaches of award-winning museums from Turkey have been examined. By focusing on EMYA's prominent principles and values, the Museum of Innocence, Baksı Museum, Kenan Yavuz Ethnography Museum, Troy Museum, Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), and 23.5 Hrant Dink Memory Site have been evaluated. The research aims to open a discussion on contemporary museology through these museums and propose a modern approach for potential future museum projects.