Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition opens Saturday 25 April

Image copyright Amit Eshel Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The world’s finest nature images will be on display at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery (SMAG) from this Saturday (25 April 2026).

After months of planning the world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery and run until 20 June.

The exhibitions feature some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe and shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

This year’s competition attracted over 60,000 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels. During an intense week at the Natural History Museum in London, entries were judged anonymously on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts. It is now visiting Shropshire as part of its international tour.

Alongside the main exhibition, visitors will also be able to see the local wildlife photographs taken by different aged Shropshire photographers, who took part in the Museum’s own community photography competition with a focus on ‘Wildlife on your doorstep’.

During the exhibition, the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery will host a wide range of inspiring wildlife-themed activities. Young guests can enjoy an imaginative children’s trail, which encourages them to explore the galleries while searching for hidden ‘wild animals’.  Visitors looking to take home a reminder of their visit will find that that Museum Shop is featuring an assortment of unique animal-inspired products.

Operations Manager at SMAG Suzanne Bovington, said:

‘The team has worked so hard to pull together all the elements needed to host this major exhibition. After so much planning, it’s wonderful to see the gallery filled with the most remarkable photographs. We can’t wait to see the visitors’ reactions.”

Jeremy Blandford, Shropshire Council’s Deputy Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure said:

“Shropshire Council is immensely proud to be able to welcome such a prestigious exhibition to the county. We know it will be enjoyed by residents and help support the visitor economy by attracting extra visitors to Shrewsbury and the wider area. It’s a great accolade that the Museum team has been able to secure the exhibition for the county.”

The exhibition will be open Tuesday- Saturday, (closed Sundays and Mondays) 10am-4pm. Admission is £7,50 per adults with concessions for seniors, students and Friends of the Museum. Tickets can be purchased from the shop on arrival.

For more details check out Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Shropshire Museums

Notes to Photo Editors 

The image must be credited:

• Online publications must use the web friendly, low-resolution images with the embedded copyright credit.
• Print titles may use high-resolution images, as long as the following credit appears alongside: Copyright Amit Eshel Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
• Images should not be cropped or altered.
• Copyright must be clearly attributed to the photographer.
• Images can only be used to promote Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information and images, contact Paul Gossage – paul.gossage@shropshire.gov.uk

About Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Now in its sixty-first year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the Natural History Museum, London’s, global platform for the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. Our annual competition, receiving over 60,000 entries, is open to photographers of all ages, nationalities and experience levels. With our touring exhibition and outreach activities engaging millions around the globe every year, we invite ever more people to celebrate and advocate for the natural world.

About the Natural History Museum, London

The Natural History Museum, London, is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy. Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life. Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today.

Protecting the planet. It’s in our nature.