Acanthus Prize Opens for Historic Garden Initiatives Across Europe

The European Route of Historic Gardens (ERHG) has officially opened submissions for the inaugural Acanthus Prize, a new international award recognizing outstanding initiatives dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and promotion of historic gardens across Europe. The prize was established during the ERHG General Assembly held in Brussels in May 2025. Submissions are open to individuals, institutions, and organizations representing Council of Europe member states, and all entries must be submitted in English by December 31, 2026.

The award program features eight distinct categories: Research & Knowledge Advancement; Restoration, Conservation & Sustainable Management; Cultural & Sustainable Tourism Development; Public Engagement, Education & Awareness; Media, Marketing & Promotion; Innovation & Future-Oriented Initiatives; Young Professionals & Students; and an Honorary Distinction. The first seven categories will award Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels, while the Honorary Distinction is reserved for individuals or institutions demonstrating long-standing, extraordinary impact in the field. Except for the Honorary Distinction, all submitted projects must have been completed within the past three years.

Entries will be adjudicated by a specialized jury composed of 3 to 11 members drawn from the ERHG Scientific Committee. This committee comprises 12 academics and professionals from five countries representing major international bodies, including ICOMOS-IFLA, UNESCO, the Alliance of World Heritage Cultural Landscapes, and the Institut Européen de Jardins et Paysages. Chaired by landscape architecture and education expert Albert Fekete, the jury evaluates submissions based on innovation, impact, relevance, and sustainability criteria.

Winners of the inaugural Acanthus Prize will be announced in March 2027 and formally presented at the upcoming European Forum on Historic Gardens, with the exact date and location to be confirmed. Applications must be submitted digitally through the dedicated ERHG platform. Currently, the ERHG is hosting its IX European Forum on Historic Gardens from October 7 to 9, 2026, serving as a key annual gathering for garden conservation specialists.

The ERHG itself was certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2020, joining an initiative launched in 1987 that now encompasses over 45 routes connecting shared European heritage in architecture, landscape design, gastronomy, and cultural history. Its member gardens span more than ten European countries, featuring globally renowned sites such as the Alhambra, Giardino di Boboli, Reggia di Caserta, Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Gardens of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, and Parques de Sintra.