European Heritage Masterclass video series with Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger explores how cultural heritage can strengthen democracy, dialogue and practical action over 12 lessons

Europa Nostra has launched the European Heritage Masterclass with Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, a new 12-part video series developed as part of the network project Europa Nostra Heritage Agora, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

 

Across 12 concise lessons, the Masterclass explores cultural heritage as a living force in society. It moves from fundamental questions of identity, ethics and ownership to urgent challenges such as war, climate change, digital transformation, social media, governance, European cooperation and the future of heritage.

The series uses heritage as a starting point for wider conversations about democracy, peace, international cultural relations and intercultural dialogue. It is designed for heritage professionals, students, volunteers, cultural organisations, civil society actors and engaged citizens who wish to deepen their understanding of heritage and turn that knowledge into action.

 

The Masterclass is given by Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, renowned archaeologist, historian and cultural heritage expert, who is the Executive President of Europa Nostra (in a voluntary capacity). From 2008 to 2025, he served as President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, one of the largest cultural institutions worldwide. His experience in archaeology, museum leadership, restitution debates, cultural policy and European cooperation shapes the perspective offered throughout the series.

“It was a pleasure to record these audiovisual lessons in Huis van Brienen in Amsterdam, owned by our member organisation Hendrick de Keyser Monumenten. Across 12 lessons, we bring together know-how and practical reflections on different aspects of heritage in society today,” said Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra.

“We are delighted to share this new European Heritage Masterclass series with our wider community. You are all invited to look at cultural heritage through the lens of one of Europe’s greatest heritage champions – Professor Hermann Parzinger. Don’t miss his Masterclass which gives a compelling explanation why heritage matters for Europe and for our society: it is a vital cohesive force for fostering peace, democracy, dialogue and solidarity and for encouraging collaboration and joint action for the benefit of all,” added Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra.

Twelve Lessons on Heritage in Society

The European Heritage Masterclass consists of 12 audiovisual lessons.

Lesson 1 – Why Heritage Matters

The opening lesson introduces the central question of the series: why heritage matters for identity, continuity, civic responsibility and democratic culture.

Lesson 2 – Ethics, Heritage and Ownership

This lesson explores ownership, restitution, provenance research and the ethical responsibilities that shape contemporary heritage practice.

Lesson 3 – Working with Communities

This lesson looks at the shift from working for communities to working with them, and at the importance of listening, shared authority and lived experience.

Lesson 4 – Complex Stories in Contested Places

This lesson considers how heritage professionals can address difficult histories, contested narratives and sites with multiple layers of meaning.

Lesson 5 – Challenge 1: War and Armed Conflicts

This lesson focuses on the protection of heritage in times of war and conflict, and on the need to support people, places and memory before, during and after crises.

Lesson 6 – Challenge 2: Climate Change and Environmental Threats

This lesson examines how climate change affects heritage and how historic buildings, landscapes and traditional knowledge can contribute to resilience.

Lesson 7 – Challenge 3: Digital Revolution

This lesson explores the opportunities and risks of digitisation, artificial intelligence, 3D documentation, data preservation and long-term digital strategies.

Lesson 8 – Challenge 4: Social Media and Public Scrutiny

This lesson looks at how social media has changed public debate about heritage, and why transparency, dialogue and professional responsibility matter.

Lesson 9 – Governance of Heritage Organisations

This lesson focuses on people, staff and volunteers, transparency and the different governance models of large institutions and civil society networks.

Lesson 10 – From Local Roots to Global Responsibility

This lesson shows how local heritage connects to wider European and global responsibilities through civil society, shared heritage and cross-border cooperation.

Lesson 11 – The Future of Heritage

This lesson looks ahead to the future of heritage, with a focus on cultural identity, diversity, young people, democratic values, innovation and renewal.

Lesson 12 – Your Heritage Action Plan

The concluding lesson invites viewers to use the series, its examples and its references as a starting point for their own heritage work, organisation or professional development.

Discover the series and find out more

The full European Heritage Masterclass videos, together with further reading and reference texts for viewers who wish to explore each topic in greater depth, are available here: europanostra.org/agora-2025-2028/partnerships/european-heritage-masterclass

The European Heritage Masterclass was recorded in December 2025 at Huis van Brienen in Amsterdam, one of the historic houses cared for by Hendrick de Keyser Monumenten.

The Masterclass videos were produced by TV Culture led by Wolter Braamhorst.

Part of Europa Nostra Heritage Agora

The European Heritage Masterclass is part of the network project Europa Nostra Heritage Agora (2025–2028), co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

The project supports a people-centred, inclusive, diverse and participatory approach to cultural and natural heritage. It aims to strengthen civil society engagement, foster evidence-driven heritage strategies and raise awareness of the multiple values of heritage for Europe’s economy, society and environment.

Within this framework, the European Heritage Masterclasses contribute to capacity building and knowledge exchange. They bring together reflection and practice, and support heritage actors in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing cultural heritage today.