Since its opening in April 2000, the NCEM has attracted widespread praise, including prestigious national conservation awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (October 2001) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (February 2002).

In April 2003 the NCEM received a commendation from The Civic Trust, which praised the sophisticated acoustics and the adaptability of the space for teaching, conferences, concerts and exhibitions.

In the same year the NCEM received an Adapt Trust Award, a prestigious award for access to disabled people. Particular mention was given to the accessibility of the building to the wheelchair user. The award monies allowed the NCEM to increase access to the visually impaired by developing a highly accessible version of the website.

The NCEM’s conferencing facilities have also been recognised with two major awards. In 2002 the NCEM won the Yorkshire Tourist Board White Rose Award for Tourism for the 'Unusual Conference Venue' of the Year, beating stiff competition that included the Royal Armouries and Leeds United Football Club and in 2004 it was voted ‘Conference Venue of the Year’ by the York Tourism Bureau at their annual tourism awards.

Working in partnership is essential for the NCEM and in 2004 it was delighted to receive a New Partners Award from Arts & Business Yorkshire for developing a new working relationship with Norwich Union that supported York’s first ever Chinese New Year Festival. The fusion of arts and business proved to be extremely successful.

"This is a project that sums up all that is best in building conservation. Not only has an important architectural building been saved for future generations to enjoy, but also the building is being used positively for the enjoyment of everyone. It is a great pleasure to see a project that is providing a focus for a performance art, attracting visitors and putting something back into the community. My congratulations to all involved." Peter Faulkner, President, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors "The renovation has acted as a catalyst for the regeneration of the immediate neighbourhood." The Civic Trust Award