Esme Ward:
From vision to reality – opening up as a programme

Esme Ward has headed the Manchester Museum since 2018. Over these seven years, she has brought the museum of natural history, archaeology and anthropology to the very heart of the city’s public life — through co-curated exhibitions and a thoroughly carried-through commitment to opening it up in every detail. The museum has been honoured with the title “European Museum of the Year 2025” in recognition of this work. In conversation with Cornelia Walter, Esme Ward explains how she has moved closer to realising her vision of a museum for everyone.