The Art Fund Museum of the Year competition has launched an interactive quiz that invites the public to guess the original owners of historic boots featured in museum collections across the UK. The initiative aims to engage audiences with fashion history and highlight the diverse stories behind everyday objects.
Quiz Details and Participation
Launched on 23 June 2026, the quiz presents participants with images of boots from various eras and asks them to identify who wore them, from medieval peasants to Victorian aristocrats. According to the Art Fund, the quiz includes 10 questions, each with multiple-choice answers, and is accessible via their website. The campaign runs alongside the Museum of the Year award, which celebrates outstanding museums and galleries.
Historical Significance of the Boots
The featured boots span centuries, including a pair from the 14th century discovered in a peat bog and a 19th-century dancing boot worn at a royal ball. Each item is accompanied by a short description from the museum that holds it, providing context about its origin and significance. The Art Fund notes that the quiz is designed to “uncover the hidden histories of objects we often take for granted.”
Impact and Engagement
Early data shows strong engagement, with over 5,000 participants in the first 24 hours. The Art Fund hopes the quiz will boost footfall to participating museums and raise awareness of their collections. “This is a fun way to connect people with the stories behind museum objects,” said a spokesperson for the Art Fund. The quiz will remain open until the Museum of the Year winner is announced in July 2026.
