Tim Peake exhibition shortlisted for 'museum Oscar'

The Tim Peake exhibition at The Novium Museum in Chichester has been shortlisted for a national award.

The free exhibition has been recognised in the Museums and Heritage Awards, Temporary or Touring exhibition category. The prestigious awards are considered to be the Oscars of the museum world.

"We are extremely proud that the Tim Peake Exhibition has been recognised in this way," says Cllr Gillian Keegan, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services at Chichester District Council. "The exhibition has been so popular, with more than 15,000 people visiting in the first few months, and the feedback from our visitors has been excellent.

"People are so inspired by Tim Peake and what he has achieved - especially those who live in his home city - and so it is great, that people think that this is a fitting tribute to his achievements.

"This exhibition really has been a team effort. The museum team have worked incredibly hard with Tim's Father, Nigel Peake, to deliver this exhibition, and we are very grateful to our sponsors Air Products, Irwin Mitchell and Vanderbilt for helping us to make this happen. It is a great free day out and so we would encourage people to come and see for themselves if they haven't yet managed to visit the exhibition."

The free exhibition was launched in December, with Tim Peake making a surprise visit to the museum in January where he gave his seal of approval.

At the time, he said: "It's fantastic to be back here in my home city of Chichester and to be here at the wonderful exhibition at The Novium Museum. I am absolutely delighted - you've done an absolutely wonderful job so thank you so much."

Tim met with pupils from his old schools, Westbourne Primary School and Chichester High School, who asked him a variety of questions about his time in space, from the funniest moment to what his favourite button was to press.

"It has been an incredible few months for The Novium Museum," says Cathy Hakes, Museum Manager. "It really has been an honour to work with Tim's father, Nigel, the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, the Association of Science and Discovery Centres, and the rest of the steering group, to deliver this fantastic exhibition. It was wonderful to have Tim's seal of approval when he visited in January."

The annual Museum & Heritage Awards, now in their 15^th year, recognise projects of excellence, innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions from galleries and visitor attractions across the UK and Europe.

The Novium Museum has been shortlisted alongside Royal Museums Greenwich, Leicester City Arts & Museums Service, Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove and the National Memorial Arboretum. The winners will be announced by comedian Ian Moore at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, 17 May.