Barcelona will host the international 'The Best in Heritage' conference from 11 to 13 November, bringing together leading global experiences in museology and cultural heritage management. The Barcelona Provincial Council is collaborating on this year's edition, alongside Barcelona City Council, the Government of Catalonia, and “la Caixa” Foundation.
The city will become a global centre for cultural heritage, attracting professionals, institutions, and pioneering initiatives from around the world. These institutions share a common goal: to promote knowledge exchange, innovation, and the democratisation of cultural heritage, according to officials.
Each year, 'The Best in Heritage' presents approximately 40 outstanding projects that have received national or international awards in the previous year. This gathering allows for the sharing of transformative experiences in heritage, culminating in the selection of the best project among all participants.
Barcelona's Growing Role in Heritage
This year's edition will again take place in various heritage sites across Barcelona, strengthening Catalonia's position as an international leader in culture, museology, and cultural heritage management. For the second consecutive year, the Catalan capital will host presentations, debates, networking spaces, and activities designed to foster dialogue between contemporary and emerging proposals in the sector.
Since its creation, 'The Best in Heritage' has grown 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 event 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.
International Collaboration and Sustainable Goals
'The Best in Heritage' is a non-governmental organisation based in Zagreb, Croatia. It is dedicated to promoting excellence across various professional fields of cultural heritage management. Professor Tomislav S. Šola, the current director and chairman of the advisory board, has been key in driving the conference in his home country.
The '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 with knowledge exchange, professional networking, and the presentation of new initiatives in cultural heritage.
Barcelona Provincial Council's collaboration with 'The Best in Heritage' aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 4, 'Quality Education', and number 17, 'Partnerships for the Goals'. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 17 SDGs on 25 September 2015, as part of the global agenda for 2030. The Provincial Council is committed to meeting these goals and supports local governments in the province in line with the SDGs.
