The ASTRA Museum was honoured on Monday evening at the 'European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra 2025' for its project 'Casa Artelor - Centre for Regional Activities and Resources,' an important landmark located in the Small Square in the historic centre of Sibiu, according to information published by the institution on Facebook.

The ceremony took place at the Radio House in Brussels.

'Congratulations to the ASTRA Museum team for the distinction received at the 'European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra 2025,' in the 'Education, Training and Skills' category! Through the project 'Casa Artelor - Centre for Regional Activities and Resources,' you have shown that crafts, traditions and cultural education can become a universal language, recognised and applauded in the heart of Europe. This award honours not only an institution, but an entire community that believes in the power of heritage to unite generations and build the future upon the foundations of our identity,' said Daniela Cimpean, president of the Sibiu County Council, who attended the event.

The European Commission and Europa Nostra announced in June the winners of the 'European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2025,' co-funded by the European Union's 'Creative Europe' programme. This year, Europe's most prestigious heritage awards are being presented to 30 outstanding laureates from 24 countries across the continent. Among the winners in the 'Education, Training and Skills' category is the 'Centre for Regional Activities and Resources,' Sibiu, Romania.

The ASTRA Centre revitalised a medieval guild house, transforming it into a vibrant centre for training, certification and culture. Through innovative partnerships, it set a national precedent for recognising traditional crafts, professionalising artisans, and connecting heritage, education and community resilience, according to a press release issued in June.

'The ASTRA Centre for Regional Activities and Resources (CARR) is housed in the 'Casa Artelor,' a recently restored 14th-century building in Sibiu's historic centre. Managed by the ASTRA Museum - Romania's most important open-air museum - the centre functions as an urban hub for professional training, artisan certification and heritage education. It was developed in partnership with 'Museene Sor Trondelag' (Norway) and 'Future Capital' (Romania), funded through the 'Ro-Culture' programme by a grant from the EEA Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants), and with strong support from the Sibiu County Council. The jury stated: 'The certification system developed as part of this project marks a significant step forward in formalising occupational standards for traditional crafts. The educational activities empower local property owners to restore their own heritage,'' shows the release.

According to the same source, the project focused on two key aspects: the restoration and repurposing of a medieval guild hall, and the development of sustainable infrastructure for preserving and passing on traditional craft skills. Over 80% of the historic building is now open to the public, featuring new spaces for exhibitions, creative activities, education and commerce. The rehabilitation measures also ensured inclusive access, with the installation of a lift and accessible toilets.

The document further noted that 'a major innovation was the official accreditation of the ASTRA Museum as the first museum in Romania authorised to assess and issue professional certifications in traditional crafts. Based on extensive ethnographic, historical and sociological research, the team developed an innovative training and certification curriculum. More than 90 artisans obtained professional certification in traditional construction, wood processing and manual carpentry. The certification process not only evaluated technical skills and knowledge but also included training in entrepreneurial, legal, financial and marketing skills, strengthening participants' ability to succeed in contemporary markets. Several certified craftsmen have already started their own businesses. The certification process is now considered a model of good practice for other open-air museums in Romania, which are themselves interested in replicating it. The involvement of certified craftsmen in heritage restoration projects has become a mandatory requirement for state-funded programmes.' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Isabela Paulescu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)