Barcelona will once again become a global centre for cultural heritage, museology, and conservation when it hosts The Best in Heritage conference from 11 to 13 November. The international event will gather professionals and leading initiatives from around the world, according to Barcelona City Council.
This year's edition sees institutional participation from the Catalan government, through the Catalan Cultural Heritage Agency, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona Provincial Council, and "la Caixa" Foundation. These organisations aim to promote the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and the democratisation of cultural heritage.
The Best in Heritage annually presents approximately 40 outstanding projects recognised by national or international awards from the previous year. The conference allows these transformative experiences in heritage to be shared in one place, concluding with the selection of the best project among all participants.
Barcelona's Role in Heritage Innovation
For the second consecutive year, the Catalan capital will host presentations, debates, networking spaces, and activities across various heritage sites. This reinforces Catalonia's position as an international leader in culture, museology, and cultural heritage management. The event facilitates dialogue between contemporary and emerging proposals in the sector.
Since its creation, The Best in Heritage has developed into a prestigious international platform. It highlights excellent initiatives, helps with networking, and promotes the global circulation of knowledge. The conference was held for 25 years in Dubrovnik, Croatia, before moving to Barcelona for the first time in 2025.
This year's edition offers an opportunity to give international exposure to Catalan museums, institutions, and cultural and artistic heritage. It also positions Barcelona as a global example of innovation and excellence in heritage management.
Promoting International Cultural Projects
The Best in Heritage is a non-governmental organisation based in Zagreb, Croatia. It focuses on promoting excellence across various professional areas of cultural heritage management. Professor Tomislav S. Šola, the current director and president of the advisory board, was key in starting the conference in his home country.
The Best in Heritage conference operates under the patronage of Europa Nostra and the International Council of Museums (ICOM). It also collaborates with several international cultural institutions. This platform offers significant global visibility, helping to exchange knowledge, build professional networks, and present the most innovative initiatives in cultural heritage. The gathering provides access to a collection of distinguished projects, making it a key resource for heritage and museology professionals.
