This annual publication includes descriptions, jury citations and contact details on the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. In 2023, Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage went to 30 remarkable heritage achievements from 21 countries across the continent.
Many of the winners serve as bright examples of how the principles of the EU’s New European Bauhaus can enrich the quality of our daily lives and living spaces. These winners perfectly respond to the call to collectively envision and achieve a more sustainable, more inclusive and more beautiful future for Europe and its citizens.
An example is the conservation and contemporary adaptation of the Friluftsskolen Open-Air School in Copenhagen, Denmark, which restored a functionalist masterpiece on the basis of thorough research and elegantly incorporated new facilities. It exemplifies how architecture can contribute to health and well-being, serving as a model for other schools or other public buildings across Europe.
In terms of fostering the spirit of togetherness across our continent, the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) in Dublin demonstrates how an inclusive museum can challenge elitist perceptions and create a sense of belonging through the enjoyment and care for our shared heritage.
Many of this year’s winners demonstrate the value and diversity of skills, with numerous laureates placing the acquisition and transmission of heritage skills at the heart of their activities. The MADE IN: Crafts and Design Narratives project compellingly showcases the contemporary value of traditional crafts and sustainable, locally sourced materials in enriching modern design and stimulating creative industries in town centres.
The Pathfinders of the Water initiative in Romania also serves as an example of how heritage skills are being transmitted to the next generation. By teaching school children the art of canoe-making, this initiative imparts valuable skills and educates participants about local heritage and its connection to environmental sustainability.
The European Heritage Awards 2023 publication encourages readers to draw inspiration and turn their ambitious plans into reality.
