The World Monuments Fund (WMF) will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, marking six decades dedicated to preserving the planet’s cultural heritage.
Founded in 1965 by Colonel James A. Gray, WMF began with a bold mission to protect historic landmarks worldwide from mounting threats. Since then, it has expanded to support over 700 sites across 112 countries, providing communities with the expertise and resources needed to safeguard and revitalise the places that shape their identities.
ETH Lalibela Col Gray setting up electrical system c1967.
“Heritage preservation is a force for resilience, unity, and hope, empowering communities to confront today’s pressing challenges,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of WMF. “From climate change and over-tourism to post-conflict recovery and inclusivity, WMF’s work supports communities by strengthening identities and fostering peace.
“Over the past 60 years, WMF has evolved to meet these complex challenges, growing from a pioneering initiative into a global authority on heritage preservation and positively impacting society along the way.”
The organisation’s priorities are reflected in specific programs such as the Climate Heritage Initiative, Crisis Response Program, and Jewish Heritage Program. These initiatives are designed to further the development of key projects and research in those specific areas.
The exterior of the Citadel 2. Photograph courtesy of the World Monuments Fund.
In 1996, WMF launched the World Monuments Watch, a biennial, nomination-based program, to mobilise action, build public awareness and demonstrate how heritage can foster community resilience and unity.
To date, WMF has raised more than $120 million toward projects at nearly 350 Watch sites, with the visibility provided by the Watch helping communities leverage an additional $300 million from other sources.
Since its founding in New York in 1965, WMF has expanded its reach through a network of regional offices, each addressing the specific heritage needs of its region. WMF Spain was established in 1992, followed by WMF Portugal in 1993, WMF Britain in 1995, WMF Peru in 2014, WMF India in 2015, and WMF France in 2023.
WMF’s history of transformative projects is exemplified by several landmark sites worldwide, each demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to heritage preservation. Highlights include:
- Venice, Italy – In response to the devastating floods in 1966, WMF launched a major preservation campaign, eventually encompassing nearly 40 landmark buildings and masterworks throughout the city, while establishing models for international heritage conservation that would shape the organisation’s future work worldwide.
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia – As the organisation’s first field project since 1966, WMF has worked to preserve these ancient churches through long-term stabilisation and training programs for local craftspeople.
- Rapa Nui National Park, Chile – WMF has been active on Rapa Nui since 1967, collaborating with park administrators on conservation campaigns and developing tourism infrastructure to protect the island’s iconic cultural heritage.
- Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia — Since 1989, WMF has led conservation efforts to restore the temples and train local caretakers, supporting Cambodia’s post-conflict recovery and revitalising the local economy.
- Future of Babylon, Iraq – Since 2008, WMF has worked with Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage to stabilise Babylon’s structures and support its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Bears Ears National Monument, United States – Added to the World Monuments Watch in 2020, Bears Ears covers 1.35 million acres of sacred Indigenous land in Utah. WMF supports sustainable tourism practices and Indigenous stewardship to protect its cultural and natural heritage.
Restoration work at Phnom Bakheng. Photograph courtesy of the World Monuments Fund.
WMF’s plans for 2025 include the launch of several new initiatives and projects to broaden its impact on global heritage preservation, including the announcement of the 2025 World Monuments Watch, which will launch in mid-January.
The Cultivating Resilience program, which develops climate adaptation for historic gardens and landscapes while preserving their cultural significance, will expand to additional sites. Sustainable tourism will remain a key focus, with new phases of work at Phnom Bakheng, Cambodia; Failaka Island, Kuwait; and Ciudad Perdida, Colombia.
A partnership with hospitality leader Accor as WMF’s Sustainable Tourism Partner will further these efforts, including collaborative work at selected 2025 Watch sites. WMF will also open new offices in China and Bahrain, advancing its global mission and strengthening local engagement.
Events
60th-anniversary celebrations will kick off with the announcement of the 2025 World Monuments Watch (WMF’s biennial, nomination-based advocacy program) with local watch parties in Paris and London.
Events will continue throughout 2025, which include:
- A series of talks on Notre Dame with architect Philippe Villeneuve and art historian Barry Bergdoll in Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and New York (March 6, 10, and 12)
- Exhibitions at The Century Association, New York (March 13 to May 8), and TEFAF Maastricht (March 15 to 20)
- A symposium in Hong Kong; The Met’s Michael C. Rockefeller Wing reopening in May featuring WMF, partnered digital resources spotlighting Sub-Saharan African heritage, and more.
More details will be shared throughout the year at wmf.org/events.
Around the World in 60 Nights
The centrepiece of WMF’s 60th anniversary, Around the World in 60 Nights, is a year-long series of dinners, receptions, and other gatherings hosted by leading WMF supporters designed to build awareness of WMF’s impact and celebrate the importance of heritage preservation at large. Notable celebrations will be organised at iconic historic places such as Windsor Castle, United Kingdom, and the Alhambra, Spain.
Acclaimed fashion designer and WMF Trustee Christian Louboutin is one of the 60 leaders who will participate in the Around the World in 60 Nights program.
“I am honoured to celebrate World Monuments Fund’s 60th anniversary through designing creative assets and hosting my own heritage celebration at the historic gardens Les Jardins de Kerdalo, in Brittany, France,” said Louboutin. “Our family roots connect all of us but also cultural heritage at large, so it’s an important thing to preserve—both physically and with our memories.”
Louboutin’s team has designed a visual identity and assets for Around the World in 60 Nights, highlighting signature cultural sites where WMF has worked over the past 60 years.
Anniversary festivities will culminate with WMF’s Hadrian Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur in New York in October 2025.
For more information about WMF’s 60th anniversary, visit wmf.org/60thanniversary.
Lead image: Line Up of Moai against the Sun by Rodrigo Rauld.
The images used in this news feature were supplied by the World Monuments Fund.
St Marks Basilica. Photograph (C) Shutterstock.
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