Every year, European Heritage Days suggests an annual theme to get participants involved with a shared international celebration and to help inspire organisers to create events about a particular heritage topic. For 2025, this theme is ‘Heritage and Architecture: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future’ which is focusing on the design, meanings and conservation of the built environment. 

With many programmes taking place in September, visitors this month can experience a huge range of event topics and venues delving into Europe’s rich and varied architectural landscape and explore thousands of historic buildings in countries including England and the Netherlands. Architecture throughout the centuries will be on display as well as more modern styles, with France recognising the centenary of an influential Art Deco exhibition and an appreciation for 20th and 21st century architecture being encouraged in Poland, while some places are focusing on specific types of building, such as the Flemish programme in Belgium which is particularly looking at ‘Sacred Houses’ with a showcase of religious buildings. Other aspects of the theme also include considering the future of the built environment, which is being particularly highlighted in Lithuania, while in Germany the importance and process of monument conservation are being explained. Architectural Heritage will also be covering the importance of buildings for people; Norway is exploring the concept of ‘Home’, while Switzerland will be telling about personal connections through the theme ‘Architectural Stories’. 

More information about all these approaches to the Architectural Heritage theme can be found on the European Heritage Days news page.