LONDON, Jan. 21 (People's Daily Online) -- The Art Fund announced new plans for the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2014.

The Prize identifies the finest museums in the UK and awards £100,000 to the very best – the 2014 Museum of the Year.

This is the world’s largest and most influential museum award, rewarding creativity and innovation.

Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said: “We are delighted to announce these developments today, which we believe will increase awareness – both here in the UK and internationally – of the exceptional quality and diversity of this country’s museums. We want to celebrate these organisations and at the same time create a platform for debate about their role today, which we regard as vital to a healthy society.”

The shortlist of museums will be revealed on 23 April 2014, and on the same day specially-commissioned film and photography will be made public. The winner of the 2014 Museum of the Year will be announced at a ceremony on 9 July at the National Gallery, before an invited audience of leading figures from the UK and international arts and cultural scene.