Thousands of sites open to the public for European heritage days 2025

On Tuesday, thousands of buildings and cultural sites across Europe will open their doors for the 2025 edition of the European Heritage Day. With more than 20 million visitors each year, it is one of the most widely celebrated cultural events in Europe.  This year’s focus is on architecture, not just as heritage to preserve, but as a living record of how communities live, adapt across generations, and shape a more sustainable future. It invites a broad look at what buildings mean in practice: how they are made, who they serve, how they age, and how they reflect shifting needs across societies.

Everyone is invited to take part in the events happening across Europe, including guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, performances, and digital experiences, engaging people of all ages. “The identity of every town, village, and city across Europe is shaped by its architecture. It gives meaning and a sense of belonging to the places we call home.” said Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.

“How we protect and value our architectural heritage reflects the kind of Europe we want to pass on to future generations. Preserving that heritage is about honouring our past whilst building a more inclusive cultural, social, and environmental future.”

Developed by the Council of Europe in 1989 and joined by the European Commission in 1999, the European Heritage Days are a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme. The Commission’s annual contribution amounts to €400 000, representing half of the overall yearly operation budget.

In addition to the events, each year, the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards honour remarkable achievements, promote best practices and set new standards in the conservation and promotion of Europe’s tangible and intangible heritage. In 2025, 30 winners from 24 countries will be announced at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony on 13 October in Brussels.

Source: European Commission