Romania again makes its place on the map of European excellence in the field of cultural heritage! At the 2025 edition of the prestigious prizes for the European heritage / Europe Nostra – considered by specialists as “Oscars of heritage” – Our country has a winning representative: Astra Center in Sibiu.
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Heritage Prize Europa Nostra 2025 Astra Sibiu Center Carr Astra Museum House of Arts
Distinguished for its remarkable contribution in heritage education and community involvement, the ASTRA Center becomes an example of excellence at European level, being the only institution in Romania awarded this year.
Why does the Europa Nostra prizes matter
The Europa Nostra Awards represent more than just a symbolic distinction – they validate the work, passion and commitment of those involved in the conservation of European cultural heritage. Winning such a prize brings not only international prestige, but also recognition from the community and a significant advantage in attracting future support and financing. At the same time, these awards create a dialogue and collaboration framework between professionals, institutions and civil society throughout Europe.
In this context, the recognition of the Astra Center in Sibiu is not only an individual honor, but also a clear proof that Romania has not only a valuable heritage, but also the ability to capitalize on. The mission of the center – to educate, to transmit traditional crafts and revitalize local culture – is now validated at the highest European level.
Romania, a constant presence in the track of Europe Nostra
Over the years, Romania has been constantly present in the Gallery of Honor Europa Nostra, through remarkable restoration and rescue projects that attracted the international admiration: from Wooden church in bears (Vâlcea), laureate in 2021, at the civic interventions of the ambulance for monuments – awarded with the public prize in 2020 – and until the efforts of the communities in Viscri and Saschiz (Brașov and Mureș) in the preservation of the Saxon heritage.
In addition, initiatives have recently been recognized as the route Via Transilvanicathe educational program Waters’ guides in the Danube Delta and the project “Adopt a house” at Roşia Montană, all demonstrating the active involvement of Romania in protecting and promoting the cultural and natural heritage.
Astra Center: A European landmark born in a building with history
Located in the heart of Sibiu, in the former house of guilds-a carefully restored medieval building-Astra regional activities and resources has transformed a historical space into a modern hub dedicated to training, certifying traditional craftsmen and promoting local culture.
Through innovative partnerships and a unique professional certification system, the center has established a national model for the recognition and professionalization of traditional crafts, strengthening the connection between heritage, education and community development.
A model-model project: training, restoration and involvement
The international jury especially appreciated the durable impact of the Sibiu project: “The created certification system marks a major step in formalizing occupational standards in traditional crafts, and educational programs offer local owners the necessary tools to restore and protect their heritage.”
The project had two clear directions: the restoration and refunctionalization of a medieval hall and the creation of a sustainable infrastructure for transmitting traditional skills. Over 80% of the building is now accessible to the public, with spaces for exhibitions, workshops, education and trade, adapted to the needs of all visitors.
In fact, in 2025, another project of the Astra Museum was rewarded with an important international distinction: the prestigious IF Design Awards, for the permanent exhibition “Crafting Transylvania / doing Transylvania”. Hosted in the House of Arts-the heart of the activities of the Astra Center in Sibiu-this exhibition dedicated to traditional Transylvanian crafts has been appreciated for its innovative, sustainable and interactive design, which transforms traditions into an immersive cultural experience. Considered the equivalent “The design of the design“the prize reflects the excellence of the SynopSismedia ™ team and the quality of the collaboration with the Astra Museum in capitalizing on the regional heritage through a contemporary and attractive exhibition concept.
The first museum in Romania certifying craftsmen
A reference point was the official accreditation of the Astra Museum as the first museum in Romania authorized to evaluate and certify professionally craftsmen. The training program, based on rigorous research, allowed the certification of over 90 craftsmen in fields such as traditional constructions, wood processing and handmade carpentry.
Certifications include not only technical skills, but also entrepreneurial, legal and marketing skills, preparing the crafts for success in the modern market.
“At the Astra Museum, sustainability is a daily value. Our projects strengthen people’s connection with their roots and ensure a future of cultural heritage. We have offered a real and applicable solution, a model that now inspires the whole country and even Europe.”said Ciprian Stefan, general director of the Astra Museum.
Europa Nostra 2025 prizes: public vote and gala ceremony
This year’s winners were selected by a jury consisting of 11 European experts, who evaluated 251 projects from 41 countries. 30 exceptional initiatives from 24 countries have been awarded in total.
The supporters of the heritage are invited to continue to vote online for the favorite project within the Public Prize 2025, a prize worth 10,000 euros. Votes can be transmitted until September 12.
The awards ceremony will take place on October 13, in Flagey, an Art Deco building in Brussels. On this occasion, the winners of the Grand Prize, as well as the Laureate of the Public Prize, will be announced.
The event marks the peak of the European Summit of Cultural Heritage 2025 (12–14 October), which will provide a strategic platform for launching To the cultural compass of the European Union and to reaffirm the role of cultural heritage in shaping the future of Europe.
