The European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the winners of the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2024. This is the most important European distinction awarded to projects, people, organizations and institutions operating in the field of cultural heritage.
The 26 winners from 18 countries included the founder and President of the Management Board of the Foundation for The Preservation of the Industrial Heritage of Silesia, Dr. Hab. Piotr Gerber, who received the award in the Heritage Champions category.
In 2007, Piotr Gerber founded The Foundation for the Preservation of Industrial Heritage, the largest non-governmental organization in Poland dealing with the active protection and promotion of monuments of technical culture. The organization’s mission is implemented by building a network of museums based on former railway and industrial facilities.
In his work with technical monuments, Piotr Gerber places particular emphasis on the authenticity and preservation of the original, historic substance of the objects. All facilities forming the Foundation’s network are equipped with historic and, above all, functional vehicles, machines and sets of devices. The laureate’s activities also include influencing the improvement of legislation regarding industrial heritage, including: by participating in the development of conservation guidelines for industrial heritage properties, which are implemented by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
As the Jury noted: „its activities include cross-border cooperation with experts and its impact on Europe is important because it highlights the importance of this heritage.”
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on October 7, 2024 in Bucharest.