Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, has been knighted in the UK New Year Honours list for 2026, recognized for his services to museums. Other art-world figures honored include curator Ekow Eshun (OBE), art historian Marcia Pointon (OBE), cultural heritage expert Janet Blake (OBE), Jo Quinton-Tulloch of the National Science and Media Museum (OBE), Susan Bowers of the Pilgrim Trust (MBE), and Hilary McGrady of the National Trust (CBE).
These honors highlight the UK government's recognition of cultural leadership and heritage preservation. Hunt's knighthood underscores the growing influence of museum directors in public policy debates, such as his advocacy for a tourist levy to support cultural infrastructure, while the range of awards reflects the breadth of contributions across museums, academia, and heritage organizations.