Categories
The five awards categories are:
1) Conservation & Adaptive Reuse
Outstanding projects aiming at conservation, regeneration and adaptation to new uses of cultural heritage, including cultural landscapes.
2) Research
Innovative research projects which lead to tangible effects for the safeguard and enhancement of cultural heritage or/and to improve the access, enjoyment and understanding of heritage assets by communities.
It includes one or more of the following types of activity:
- Academic research (master theses are not eligible)
- Applied research/ pilot studies
- Scientific publications (e.g. book, volume, manuscript) on the results of research
- Citizen science projects
3) Education, Training & Skills
Exemplary projects or related to cultural heritage with the aim of fostering knowledge transfer, capacity-building and/or enhancing traditional or new skills and crafts related to heritage.
It includes the subcategories below:
Education – Projects that promote broader public understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage. These typically involve formal or informal learning activities aimed at general audiences such as school programmes, public lectures, heritage interpretation materials, digital learning resources, museum educational initiatives, or community awareness campaigns. The primary focus is on expanding knowledge about cultural heritage among diverse audiences.
Training – Projects that develop professional competencies for individuals already working or planning to work in the heritage sector. These typically involve structured learning programmes to equip participants with specific methodologies, approaches, or theoretical frameworks. Examples include conservation workshops for museum staff, heritage management courses for site administrators, or professional development programmes for tour guides. The primary focus is on improving the professional capabilities of heritage practitioners.
Skills – Projects that preserve, transfer or innovate specific practical techniques related to tangible heritage. These typically involve hands-on instruction in traditional crafts or contemporary conservation methods. Examples include apprenticeship programmes in traditional building techniques, workshops on historical textile production, or innovative digital documentation methods for heritage artefacts. The primary focus is on the mastery of concrete, technical abilities rather than theoretical knowledge.
4) Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness-raising
Outstanding heritage-led projects which foster social cohesion, inclusion, multicultural dialogue and understanding, nurture a sense of place and belonging, celebrate diversity and multiple identities as well as stimulate citizens’ engagement, ownership and civic responsibility.
5) Heritage Champions
Influential and inspiring individuals or organisations whose exemplary action demonstrates an exceptional level of dedication, impact and civic engagement for the safeguard and enhancement of cultural heritage.
Previous Categories
Until 2021, the awards were given in four categories:
1. Conservation (since 1978)
2. Research (since 2002)
3. Dedicated Service (since 2002)
4. Education, Training and Awareness-raising (since 2008).
To facilitate navigation on the map, Conservation winners are filed under Conservation and Adaptive Reuse and Dedicated Service winners are filed under Heritage Champions.
Until 2006 the awards were given as Diploma, Medal and Prize; as of 2008 the laureates receive an Award or a Grand Prix. Since 2012 there is also a Public Choice Award.
