Bristol Dockyard Museum SS Great Britain in Brunel has won the £100,000 Gulbenkian Museum of the Year award.

Following a £11.3m restoration, the world’s first iron ocean-going ship was re-launched in July 2005.

She now sits in her birthplace, Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard, on a glass “sea” above a dehumidification system to halt the corrosion in her iron hull.

Above the water line, the ship features all the sights, sounds and smells of a pioneering voyage to Australia, from the spartan functionality of third class passenger berths through to the opulence of the first class ladies’ boudoir.

Alongside is the Dockyard Museum where displays chart the history of Brunel’s masterpiece and the stories of those who sailed and rescued her.

Robert Winston, chair of the Gulbenkian judges, said: “It combines a groundbreaking piece of conservation, remarkable engineering and fascinating social history plus a visually stunning ship above and below the water line. The ship is accessible and highly engaging for people of all ages.”

The other finalists were The Collection: Art & Archaeology in Lincolnshire in Lincoln, London’s Hunterian Museum and Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield.

Last year’s winner was the Big Pit: National Mining Museum of Wales in Blaenafon. Details: www.thegulbenkianprize.org.uk