Harewood wins at Museum + Heritage Awards

Harewood takes home Innovation of the Year at this year’s Museum + Heritage Awards for 2019’s A Night at the Mansion 
created by Davy & Kristin McGuire.

One of the highlights of the year for cultural attractions across the UK in the foremost awards for the industry, Harewood House Trust was delighted to scoop the Innovation of the Year Award in the 18th annual Museum + Heritage Awards hosted this evening in an online ceremony. A great accolade, previous winners of the title have included 14-18 NOW and The Imperial 
War Museum’s They Shall Not Grow Old, as well as the Natural History Museum’s First Life
with David Attenborough.

The award was bestowed by the judges who commented on the true originality and creativity that lie behind Davy & Kristin McGuire’s creation at Harewood, A Night at the Mansion, 
in which rooms and parts of the collection were brought to life through the combination of 
story-telling, projection mapping and sound. This allowed people to experience Harewood in
 a completely new and original way, captivating the imaginations of all ages, in a bold reinterpretation of a country house.

Harewood welcomed over 32,500 visitors to A Night at the Mansion in 2019, surpassing previous Christmas installations, as it became clear that this must-see festive show was unlike any 
other in the UK.

Davy & Kristin McGuire were delighted on receiving the news: ‘We absolutely loved bringing Harewood House’s incredibly beautiful interiors to life last year, and we have been humbled and overjoyed by its brilliant reception.’

Jane Marriott, Trust Director, comments:

‘We are truly delighted and honoured to have received this year’s Innovation of the Year award at the Museums + Heritage Awards, especially at a time when our team is working incredibly hard to ensure that a visit to Harewood can be as magical as ever, despite the current climate. Davy & Kristin McGuire created A Night at the Mansion as an imaginative and wholly original adventure through the house. Their creativity and talent reminds us of why we have made the commitment to work with the best artists and creative producers every year.

‘As a Charity, not only charged with taking care of this wonderful place but also sharing it with as many people as possible, the festive season offers a unique opportunity for people to experience Harewood in a different light – something that this award attests to. Every year, we want to reimagine what a country house can look like and to provide a chance to escape daily life, recharge our batteries and be inspired by what we see, feel and hear.’