The John Rylands Library wins prestigious FX award for Museum or Exhibition Space 2025
World-famous library wins international recognition in 125th Anniversary year.
The John Rylands Library, part of The University of Manchester Library, has been awarded the FX Award for Museum or Exhibition Space 2025, triumphing in a highly competitive international category.
International competition
The Library was recognised alongside an exceptional field of global institutions including The Long Museum (Shanghai, China), The Florence Nightingale Museum (London, UK), 脺bersee Museum (Bremen, Germany), National Maritime Museum (London, UK), Missoni Sky (Toronto, Canada), KINCANG Lounge (Shaoxing, China), 91直播 Art Gallery (91直播, UK), Perth Museum (Perth, Australia), Rapt Studio (Milan, Italy), Toyota City Museum (Toyota, Japan), and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp, Netherlands).
About the winning project
The award recognises the successful completion of The John Rylands Library Next Chapter project, delivered through a collaboration between the University Library, architects Donald Insall Associates, and designers Nissen Richards Studio. The achievement is particularly fitting as The John Rylands Library celebrates its 125th anniversary year, having first opened to readers and visitors on 1 January 1900.
Leadership and vision
Professor Christopher Pressler, University Librarian, and his senior team at the University of Manchester have been working for five years through the University Library's Imagine2030 vision to deliver this transformative project. The work focused on the sensitive upgrade to key areas to enhance visitor engagement and to ensure that the Grade I-listed building can respond to and cater for the challenges of the next generation.
Key improvements delivered
The project included the total refurbishment of the main exhibition spaces, the development of a state-of-the-art advanced imaging laboratory, the creation of a flexible event and teaching space, and a complete reimagining of the main entrance, retail and welcome areas.
Through these thoughtful interventions, we have sought to secure the building's long-term sustainability, putting people first in the design and overcoming operational challenges in the spaces. This work will enable The John Rylands Library to continue to serve as a world-class centre for research, cultural heritage, and public engagement, blending its historic grandeur with contemporary functionality.
One of the key elements of the brief was to create new display possibilities, so that more of the remarkable treasures from the Rylands' collection could be put on display at any one time. The temporary gallery was already working as an exhibition space but had not been upgraded for many years. It now features new exhibition furniture that underwent rigorous testing with different materials and light conditions.
We sought to create an engaging environment with elegant displays, enhanced within the historic setting and supporting the Ryland's collection. Our approach was to introduce elements that work with the Grade I-listed building in a subtle yet contemporary way, using materials that complement and highlight the distinct character of the building.
The John Rylands Library, one of the acknowledged great libraries of the world, is part of The University of Manchester Library, the third largest academic library system in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge and is at the heart of the largest single-site University in Britain.
We are thrilled that this prestigious award has been won by The University of Manchester Library. It recognises not only the extraordinary transformation we have achieved but also the collaborative vision and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this project to life.
I am delighted to congratulate The John Rylands Library on winning this prestigious FX Award. This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the exceptional quality of the Next Chapter refurbishment project. Under Professor Pressler's visionary leadership, the Library has reimagined what a 21st-century research library can be, creating spaces that honour our extraordinary heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity. This achievement demonstrates the Library's continued importance as one of the University's greatest assets and its vital contribution to our 鈥�91直播 2035鈥� ambitions. I am immensely proud of what the Library team has accomplished, and this award is testament to the imagination, dedication and excellence that defines their work.