De La Warr Pavilion long-listed for UK's largest arts prize

The Gulbenkian Prize for Museums and Galleries is the largest single arts prize in the UK and recognises and rewards the best new development in the previous year of a museum and gallery anywhere in the United Kingdom. It is the most prestigious independent arts prize in the country and the Pavilion is honoured and delighted to stand alongside its fellow nominees as one of the ten most outstanding arts projects in the UK in the past twelve months

Alan Haydon, Director of the De La Warr Pavilion says :

"This fantastic news recognises the immense effort and hard work that the Pavilion's team and supporters have put into the project over the past 12 months. This unique and much-loved icon has been transformed into a popular and dynamic building that attracts up to half a million local, national and international visitors a year with an imaginative, innovative and engaging programme of contemporary art and education. Families and young people have been made particularly welcome and as such, will enrich the life of the Pavilion for years to come."

Francine Stock, Chair of the 2007 judges comments:

"This year's long list shows great variety and contrast - from a textile study collection to a substantial metropolitan museum, from a dedicated library and a spectacular National museum exhibition to a stylish and enterprising arts centre - and we were hugely impressed by the way these entries seek to engage audiences. This is a truly inspiring long list and the next stage of our judging process will be a really tough challenge."

The judges decision parallels the comments the Pavilion receive on a day to day basis from its visitors.....

"Lovely to see building open again and people milling around and using it - especially young people."

"I think the De La Warr Pavilion is great! I love the inter-active drop in area, it is amazing and great for all generations. I could spend a whole day here and wish I could have stayed longer. Keep up the great work"

"I have been visiting this building most of my life. It never fails to excite. Once again, time in this Pavilion has been rewarding and pleasurable. An exhibition of outstanding quality"

" a great place to see art...and I love the hot chocolate!"

The long list for the Gulbenkian Prize is as follows:

De La Warr Pavilion for its re-launch, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

One of the world's finest examples of Modernist architecture, now a leading centre for contemporary art, architecture, education and live performance.

Braintree District Museum for the Warner Textile Archive, Essex

A unique record of the manufacture and design of textiles over the past 200 years, housed in the original 19th century mill where most of the textiles were created.

Horniman Museum for their new Aquarium, London

An inventive and innovative display of exotic fish and other sea creatures, aimed at young museum visitors. It has attracted over 110,000 visitors in its first five months.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum for their New Century Project, Glasgow

A 28m project to restore and re-display Glasgow's magnificent civic art gallery and museum, creating a universal space for the 21st century.

Kew Palace, Historic Royal Palaces, Surrey

Restoration of King George III's country retreat and Britain's smallest royal palace, revealing rooms that have not been seen for 200 years.

Pallant House, Chichester, West Sussex

Contemporary building space combined with a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse to exhibit one of the world's best 20th century British art collections.

Scotland & Medicine: Collections & Connections, Edinburgh

This partnership brings together Scotland's major collections of specimens, models, surgical instruments and paintings to tell the story of how medicine has changed our lives.

V&A for The Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art, London

This stunning gallery displays some 400 objects of exquisite beauty. This is one of the most extensive and renowned collections of Islamic art in the world.

Weston Park Museum, Sheffield

Victorian treasure-house highlighting the best from Sheffield's archaeology, natural and social history, visual and decorative art collections.

The Women's Library for the exhibition, 'Prostitution: What's Going On?' London Metropolitan University, London

A provocative exhibition and events programme marking the centenary of the death of Josephine Butler, the Victorian social reformer and campaigner for the rights of prostituted women.

The 2007 judging panel represents a wide range of artistic, scientific and academic interests and museum experience. With author and broadcaster Francine Stock as chair, it comprises:

Tristram Besterman - museum consultant, former director of Manchester Museum

Richard Calvocoressi - Director of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, Designate Head of the Henry Moore Foundation

Jonathan Glancey - The Guardian's Architecture and Design Editor

Dr Mark Miodownik - materials scientist, head of the Materials Research Group at King's College London, Director of the Materials Library

Dan Snow - historian and broadcaster

Mohini Sule - cultural broadcaster for programmes including BBC Culture Show and The People's Museum

The four short-listed museums for the 2007 prize will be announced in early April.

The winner will be announced on Thursday 24 May at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London during Museum and Galleries Month 2007.

Six out of the ten projects have been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), demonstrating how lottery funding is central to transforming the UK's museums and galleries.

Last year's winner was Brunel's ss Great Britain in Bristol, whose visitor figures have since increased by 40%.