"The Jury has awarded a Grand Prize to the Mátra Museum as it presents an outstanding example of harmonious coexistence of a careful historical restoration and the incorporation of contemporary architecture. The ensemble has regained the authentic complexity and completeness of the property while employing high levels of standard and quality," Europa Nostra said.
The award carries a EUR 10,000 purse.
The museum, which was acknowledged in the conservation category, was one of seven award-winners. Among the other winners were the Church of Saints Faustino and Giovita in Italy, the Kesälahti Church Bell Tower in Finland and the High Level Bridge in Newcastle Gateshead, UK.
The European Heritage Awards were jointly launched in 2002 by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, in the framework of the Commission's Culture Programme, to celebrate outstanding initiatives among the many facets of Europe's cultural heritage in categories ranging from the restoration of buildings and their adaptation to new uses, to urban and rural landscape rehabilitation, archaeological site interpretations, and care for art collections.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
