European Heritage Days in Croatia 2025

September 10, 2025 -- The jubilee 30th European Heritage Days in Croatia begin, which for three decades have celebrated the richness, diversity and value of cultural heritage. They are being held in 53 settlements with over 96 events organized by 104 institutions such as museums, libraries, archives, cultural and cultural heritage associations, cultural and artistic societies, institutes, faculties, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and tourist boards.

The year 2025 is a year of important anniversaries related to architectural and cultural heritage as a whole. This year, we are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the European Architectural Heritage Year (Strasbourg, 1975), a Council of Europe initiative that played a key role in recognizing architectural heritage as crucial in improving quality of life and advancing efforts to preserve heritage; 40 years since the adoption of the Convention for the Protection of the European Architectural Heritage in Granada (Granada, 1985), which recognized architectural heritage as a key component of European cultural identity, thereby establishing the principles of comprehensive protection of architectural heritage. The same year, the pan-European European Heritage Days manifestation was launched. Also, this year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the European Heritage Days manifestation in Croatia, which was launched by proclaiming the Posavina village of Krapje as a village of architectural heritage in 1995, which has prepared a celebratory program this year. As the last in this celebratory series, we highlight the 20th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro, 2005), which opened a new chapter in understanding heritage -- not as a static legacy, but as a living process in which all citizens participate.

Architecture, as a reflection of historical changes through the centuries, shapes the identity of communities and nations. This year's theme Heritage and Architecture: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future  testifies to the enduring value of architectural heritage as the foundation of identity, dialogue and community, and through a rich and interesting program, its important role in cultural, social and economic life will be further emphasized.

The central event of the 30th European Heritage Days celebration in Croatia will be held in Sisak, on September 26 at 2 PM, with the opening of an exhibition titled A Brief History of Croatian Modern Sculpture, which will present a fusion of history, art and restoration.

The exhibition will enrich the space of the restored Custody Building of the Sisak Diocese in Sisak, marking the fifth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck central Croatia. On this occasion, visitors will be given a unique opportunity to visit and experience the unique space of this neoclassical building, a protected cultural monument, while also enjoying exceptional artistic works by ten renowned Croatian artists: Robert Frangeš-Mihanović, Ivan Meštrović, Šime Vulas, Ksenija Kantoci, Ivan Kožarić, Ratko Petrić, Rudolf Valdec, Tomislav Ostoja, Anton Dominik Fernkorn, Neven Bilić. The exhibition concept, which presents the development of Croatian sculpture from the late nineteenth century to the present, was designed by Branko Franceschi, director of the National Museum of Modern Art. Therefore, this exhibition is also a kind of recognition for all those who participated in the restoration of a large number of buildings with cultural monument status, such as the Custody Building, during that five-year period.

Numerous organizers have designed a diverse and rich repertoire of European Heritage Days 2025 programs in the anniversary spirit, offering something for everyone in 53 settlements throughout Croatia.

Details about the events -- locations, dates, times, brief descriptions and links to organizers' websites with current information -- are available in the European Heritage Days 2025 program booklet, which has been published in digital LINK and printed form.