The Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award

Perhaps it was the notice by the meteorite, saying: "This is the oldest object you will ever touch." Or your toddler being invited to roar at a ruff-collared ducal portrait in the 17th-century gallery to show an early appreciation of art. Or the quiet chat about war-time childhood between a grandparent and child over a 1940s record player on display. Scenarios like these let families know that visitors no longer have to wander round a museum in reverential silence. More museums are welcoming noisy, nosy families of all ages. It's these visitors who bring museums alive. Now it's your chance to say which museum does this best. The Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award 2011 is launched this week - the biggest in Britain and the only award judged by families. Previous winners include a tiny two-room art gallery in Cornwall, Oxford University's natural history collection and an open-air museum with a mineshaft in the Pennines. It's not what's in the display cabinets that counts, but how your family feels when you walk through the door. Let us know why your favourite museum should win. How to enter: email [email protected] or write to Kids in Museums, Downstream Building, One London Bridge, London SE1 9BG Make a nomination and get a free Quentin Blake award poster. Just email [email protected] Find out more about the award from www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk The award is run by Kids in Museums , a visitor-led charity working with museums to make them more family friendly