LONDON.- As the application process for the Museum of the Year 2013 opens, the Art Fund begins its search to find out which cultural institutions are best loved by the British public. The Art Fund invites members of the public to tell them which inspirational museums should be in the running for the £100,000 prize via artfund.org/prize, @artfund and Facebook/theartfund and will solicit applications from nominated institutions.

The Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year highlights the many innovative and excellent ways that cultural institutions are bringing their collections to life by exploring the power of objects, telling stories and histories, inspiring audiences, and providing remarkable environments for reflection, illumination and fun.

This year’s judging panel is chaired by Art Fund Director, Stephen Deuchar and includes the Daily Telegraph’s Arts Editor, Sarah Crompton, writer and broadcaster Bettany Hughes, historian Tristram Hunt MP and artist Bob and Roberta Smith.

Ten finalists will be revealed in April when the judging panel will begin the process of visiting the museums. The winner will be announced on 4 June 2013, when two prizes will be awarded: £100,000 to the Museum of the Year and £10,000 for the Clore Award for Learning, an award which celebrates museums and galleries that put learning at the heart of what they do.

Applications are open until Wednesday 6 February. Application forms and further information on application criteria are available at www.artfund.org/prize.