Visitor attractions secure nominations for prestigious awards

Derby Museums and Chatsworth House, which is part of the Devonshire Group have been shortlisted for awards which celebrate excellence across museums, galleries and heritage attractions.

Derby Museums has been shortlisted for two 2026 Museum + Heritage Awards, recognising its innovative partnerships and retail offer.

Its Partnership of the Year nomination recognises its partnership with leading heat pump manufacturer Vaillant UK to inspire future makers and engineers in Derby.

Launched in 2024, the collaboration brings together Derby Museums’ expertise with Vaillant’s training and manufacturing teams to deliver hands-on learning experiences.

In 2025, the ‘Launch into Engineering’ programme enabled young people to build practical skills at the Museum of Making and experience a real-world factory setting at Vaillant; seeing how heat pumps and boilers are made, plus the hands-on skills needed in such job roles.

That same year, 1,500 people attended ‘Assemble: Derby’s Making Festival’, highlighting strong public appetite for creative, hands-on activities.

Visitors to the Museum of Making can also explore the co-created Power Pod display, sparking conversations about renewable energy, climate change and personal responsibility.

James Fowler, marketing and strategy director at Vaillant UK, said: “I’m thrilled that our work with the museum has contributed to being shortlisted for the Partnership of the Year Award.

“Watching the Launch into Engineering programme develop and come to life has been an absolute pleasure, especially with the consistently positive feedback we’ve received from participants.

“What began as a marketing initiative has grown into a dynamic, creative, and truly hands‑on educational experience; one that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and highlights the real-world possibilities within engineering.”

Jenny Cuadrado, director of development at Derby Museums, said: “Recognition through the Museum and Heritage Awards is not only a great morale booster but also a great testament to the hard work and spirit of innovation at Derby Museums and Vaillant.”

Derby Museums has also been nominated for Shop of the Year for its sustainable retail season at the Museum of Making. It has been shortlisted alongside The Orangery Shop at Chatsworth House.

The museum’s products are sourced from makers across Derby and Derbyshire – and it operates as a values-led social enterprise, supporting the local maker community while encouraging visitors to have a go at making themselves.

This approach is delivering strong results, with retail spend per visitor increasing by 69% compared to May 2024.

Jenny added: “Our sector is better together, and the partnerships we’ve forged – whether they be with corporate partners like Vaillant, or through stockists in our shops – help to inspire the thinker and maker in all of us. It’s what we do.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 13 May.