Heritage awards

The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards were jointly launched in 2002 by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, in the framework of the Commission’s Culture Programme, to celebrate outstanding initiatives among the many facets of Europe's cultural heritage in categories ranging from the restoration of buildings and their adaptation to new uses, to urban and rural landscape rehabilitation, archaeological site interpretations, and care for art collections. Also awarded are prizes for research, dedicated service to heritage conservation by individuals or organisations and education projects related to cultural heritage.

This Awards Scheme aims to promote high standards and high-quality skills in conservation practice, and to stimulate the trans-frontier exchanges in the area of heritage. By spreading the 'Power of Example', the Prize also aims to encourage further efforts and projects related to heritage throughout Europe.

Exemplary heritage achievements in Europe are awarded in the following four categories:

Category 1: CONSERVATION
Outstanding achievements in the conservation, enhancement and adaptation to new uses, of cultural heritage in the following areas:

Architectural Heritage: Single buildings or groups of buildings in an urban or rural setting;
Building additions or alterations, or new building projects within historic areas;
Industrial and engineering structures and sites.
Cultural landscapes: Historic urban environments or townscapes, city or town squares and streetscapes;
Historic parks and gardens, larger areas of designed landscape or of cultural, environmental and/or agricultural significance.
Archaeological sites, including underwater archaeology, which may include interpretive display for cultural or educational purposes.
Works of art: Collections of artistic and historic significance or old works of art, which may include interpretive display for cultural or educational purposes.

Category 2: RESEARCH

Outstanding research which leads to tangible effects in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in Europe in any of the above-mentioned Category 1 areas.

Category 3: DEDICATED SERVICE by INDIVIDUALS or ORGANISATIONS

Open to individuals or organisations whose contributions over a long period of time demonstrate excellence in the protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage (relating to the above-mentioned Category 1 areas) in Europe. The contribution should be of a standard which would be considered outstanding in the European context.

Category 4: EDUCATION, TRAINING and AWARENESS-RAISING

Outstanding initiatives related to heritage education, training schemes in cultural heritage conservation, and programmes for raising awareness on cultural heritage.

The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards consist of two award levels. Up to six entries will be awarded a Grand Prix, which includes a monetary award of € 10 000. Up to twenty-five entries will receive an Award.

Apply for an Award in 2011

For more information, please contact

Elena Bianchi
Heritage Awards Coordinator
Europa Nostra
eb [at] europanostra [dot] org
+31 70 302 40 58