Now it its eleventh year, MGM has gone from strength to strength. As well as the special events and debates that are the backbone of the month, it now encompasses activities on the national and European stage. Our cultural institutions unite with their counterparts across Europe for the ground-breaking ‘Nuit des Musées’ – where thousands of museums open their doors simultaneously at night. And the month culminates with the annual announcement of the UK’s largest museums and galleries prize.

With such vision, it is appropriate that MGM has taken this year’s theme to be Ideas and Innovation. Ideas and Innovation immediately brings scientists to mind, and I know many events this year will draw on collections around our greatest thinkers. This year, MGM has also developed a new collaboration with artists. For me, their involvement is key. Both scientists and artists are visionary - challenging the way we see the world. Our museums collections too can challenge our perceptions of ourselves and our past. Those collections are brought to life by the talents of our curators, interpreters and educators, but the collaboration with contemporary artists can only enrich our understanding … and enjoyment

I am looking forward to launching this year's M&GM at the newly refurbished London Transport Museum, and joining Wallace & Gromit and thousands of visitors at the myriad of events this May.

Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture, Tourism and the Creative Industries