The House of European History Photo credits: Atelier d'architecture Chaix & Morel et associés Eddie Young / AACMA-JSWD Building a cultural institution for debate on European history The European Parliament is establishing a House of European History in Brussels which will give visitors the opportunity to learn about European history and to engage in critical reflection about its meaning for the present day. The main focus of the permanent exhibition will be on European history of the 20th century and the history of European integration, viewed from a broad historical perspective and bringing together contrasting experiences of Europeans in history. The House of European History aims to convey a trans-national overview of European history, taking into account its diverse nature and its many interpretations and perceptions. The House seeks to contribute to the understanding of European history, including the wider global context, and to facilitate debate about Europe and the European integration process. Photo credits: Atelier d'architecture Chaix & Morel et associés / AACMA-JSWD 1/5
Values & principles Exhibitions, objects & collections At the heart of the House, there will be a permanent exhibition focusing mainly on the 20th century, with retrospective insights into processes and events from earlier centuries. The narrative of the exhibition will be accompanied by a newly-assembled collection of objects and equipped with multimedia and interactive technology. Multiple perspectives on history While focusing on significant phenomena in the history of Europe, the permanent exhibition will present different viewpoints and diverse interpretations of history. In this way, the House of European History aims to become a forum for reflection and debate. The visitor - at the centre The exhibition will be devised so as to meet the expectations of each and every visitor, with or without extensive prior historical knowledge. All will be able to engage and participate in the exhibition at their own pace. Wide-ranging educational and cultural programmes are also planned. Multilingualism As of its opening, the House of European History aims to provide its main content in the then 24 official languages of the European Union. Multilingualism is seen as an expression of the cultural diversity of Europe, and the House wishes its visitors to experience its multilingual specificity as one of its main assets. Photo credits: Arnaud Dechelle, Studio Diem UK 2/5
Cooperation Cooperation with networks and institutions within Europe and beyond will play a crucial role in linking the House to different cultural bodies at the international, national or local level. The House of European History will endeavour to become an integral part of the Brussels' cultural landscape and to develop creative professional alliances with partner institutions. Location - in the Eastman building in the Parc Léopold The House of European History will be located in the Parc Léopold, in the heart of the European quarter in Brussels. The Eastman building was built in 1935 to house a dental clinic for disadvantaged children, financed by a donation from the inventor of the Kodak camera. The plans include the renovation of the façades maintaining the historic aesthetic of the building as well as a modern extension in the courtyard and on the roof. Photo credits: Arnaud Dechelle, Studio Diem UK A place for debate on European history - The history of Europe in all its complexity and breadth - A trans-national perspective on Europe's history political, social, economic and cultural - An exhibition in all the languages of the Union - A unique experience: informative, educational and participatory - A free-entry cultural institution, accessible to all - A place for reflection and debate about European history 3/5
- An engaged and creative actor - rooted in the cultural life of Brussels Timeline February 2007 Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament proposed the House of European history as 'a locus for history and for the future where the concept of the European idea can continue to grow.' October 2008 The conceptual basis for a House of European History, which established the core concept for the House of European History February 2009 Appointment of a Board of Trustees chaired by Hans-Gert Pöttering and an Academic Committee chaired by the historian Prof. Włodzimierz Borodziej. June 2009 The Parliament's Bureau takes the decision to allocate the former Eastman dental clinic building to the future institution January 2011 A multidisciplinary team of professionals is brought together under the direction of the historian and curator Taja Vovk Van Gaal. March 2011 The winner of the architectural competition to extend and renovate the Eastman building is designated: Ateliers Chaix & Morel (FR); JSWD Architekten (DE), and TPF (BE). October 2012 Approval of the permanent exhibition concept by the Parliament's Bureau November 2012 Start of the building works December 2012 The House of European History collects around the Nobel Peace Prize Contact us House of European History European Parliament Rue Wiertz 60/ Wiertzstraat 60 B-1047 Brussels Belgium houseofeuropeanhistory@ep.europa.eu 4/5
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/historyhouse.html 5/5