The European Commission has granted, on Thursday, the Romanian Athenaeum and six other sites in the EU the European Heritage Label, for the significant role they have played in the history and culture of Europe.
– Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovenia);
– San Jerónimo de Yuste Monastery (Spain);
– Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Netherlands);
– Royal Toone Theatre (Belgium);
– Kalevala (Finland);
– Romanian Athenaeum (Romania);
– Sant’Anna di Stazzema (Italy).
The Romanian Athenaeum is a prominent building in the city of Bucharest. It was built at the end of the 19th century to host a public library, conferences, classical music concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural and artistic activities, as part of its mission to promote culture through various means.
Since 1889, the Athenaeum has been home to the Romanian Philharmonic Society (now the "George Enescu" Philharmonic), founded almost two decades earlier to disseminate musical culture and promote the masterpieces of classical composers.
These cultural societies and their iconic building are part of the modernization process of the Romanian United Principalities, which were declared a kingdom in 1881 after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire at the end of the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878).
By hosting concerts of great composers and orchestras from Europe, the Romanian Athenaeum has played an essential role in promoting European classical music since its inception, as stated in the European Commission's announcement.
Since 1958, the Romanian Athenaeum has hosted one of the most important classical music events in the world, the "George Enescu" International Festival and Competition, named in honor of the great Romanian composer.
Additionally, the Athenaeum hosts public lectures with Nobel laureates, renowned writers, and professionals from across Europe, highlighting democracy and European values and promoting culture and science.
What is the European Heritage Label
A European jury of independent experts from across Europe recommended seven sites out of the 16 preselected by participating member states in the selection process. The 7 winning sites from the 2023 selection year will officially receive the label during the European Heritage Label award ceremony in Antwerp on April 17.
The European Heritage Label is awarded to monuments, natural or urban sites, as well as objects, goods, and intangible heritage. It recognizes their essential role in European history and culture, as well as in shaping what the European Union is today.
The European Heritage Label aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of the EU's common and diverse heritage by citizens, especially young people.
The European Heritage Label has proven its relevance in strengthening intercultural dialogue and the sense of belonging to the European Union.
Moreover, this EU action is crucial for the development of local cultural tourism, sustainable economic benefits, and communities across Europe.
To receive the European Heritage Label, sites must meet the three criteria introduced when this label became a EU initiative:
- demonstrate their European significance,
- make known their European dimension to the European public,
- demonstrate their operational capacity to carry out these activities.
Sites that receive the label must also participate in network collaboration activities and cooperation projects.
The selection process takes place every two years.
Participation is open to all member states, provided they confirm their interest.
Sites awarded the European Heritage Label are monitored to ensure they continue to meet the selection criteria. Monitoring takes place every four years. An independent external evaluation is conducted every six years.