A major visitor attraction in Belfast that recently completed a major architectural refurbishment contract is now up for a prestigious accolade.

South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has congratulated the Ulster Museum on being long-listed for the 2010 Art Fund Prize for Museums and Galleries.

The move comes soon after news that more than 200,000 people visited the revamped Ulster Museum since it reopened its doors in October 2009, after a three-year, £17m refurbishment programme which was said to be an architectural triumph.

Alasdair McDonnell said: "I am delighted that the Ulster Museum has been recognised in this way," he said, also noting that as well as hitting the 200,000 mark by February 2010, during the museum's first month alone, 100,000 visitors walked through the doors.

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"This shows just how much this museum is appreciated and loved in Northern Ireland," he said, noting that voting is open to the public for the Art Fund Prize and the winner will be announced on 30th June.

"I would urge people to go on line and let the judges know why the Ulster Museum deserves to win this prize," he said.

A long list of 11 museums and galleries are in the running to win the UK's largest single arts prize of £100,000 prize which is awarded to the museum or gallery for a project completed in the last year, that the Judges deem demonstrates the most originality, imagination and excellence.

The prize, which has been sponsored by the UK's leading independent art charity, The Art Fund, for three years, aims to increase public appreciation and enjoyment of the UK's museums and galleries.

Vote at: www.artfundprize.org.uk/index.php

(BMcC/GK)