14 Henrietta St wins prestigious European award!

Dublin City Council’s 14 Henrietta Street museum has been announced today by the European Commission and Europa Nostra as a winner of Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage, the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award. 

14 Henrietta Street tells the story of the building’s shifting fortunes: connecting the history of urban life to the stories of the people who called the building home over 300 years. Built in the 18th century as a grand residence, 14 Henrietta Street later became a tenement home to many families. 

As a winner of the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award in the awards category of Citizen’s Engagement and Awareness-raising, 14 Henrietta Street is not a museum in the traditional sense. By listening and talking with former residents, the local community, visitors, historians and experts, 14 Henrietta Street keeps people at the centre of the museum and ensures that the stories of the lives lived here carry equal weight to the documented historical facts. In this way, the museum continues to gather memories and discover new stories, creating an experience where history is not just preserved but continuously discovered, shared and brought to life.

The museum building is owned and conserved by Dublin City Council. Commenting on the win, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said “On behalf of Dublin City Council, I want to sincerely thank the jury for this wonderful recognition. It is a great honour for our city to receive such a prestigious European award, and it reflects many years of dedication, care and imagination from the remarkable team behind the museum at 14 Henrietta Street. Today, 14 Henrietta Street is deeply loved by the people of Dublin and by visitors from across the world. That affection speaks to the care, respect and authenticity with which the museum tells the story of our city. This award recognises the extraordinary work of the team who made this vision possible. But it also honours the thousands of lives that passed through the doors of this house over more than 300 years."

14 Henrietta Street is operated by Dublin City Council Culture Company. Chief Executive of Dublin City Council Culture Company, Iseult Dunne said: “At 14 Henrietta Street, everything we do is shaped by listening to, engaging with and learning from the people who connect with the house and its history. We aim to ensure that visitors can explore the history and heritage of Dublin in ways that feel meaningful and accessible. This recognition is a tribute to the commitment of our team and the many people who continue to contribute to and enrich the work of the museum.”

14 Henrietta Street has also been shortlisted for a second award, which is determined by public vote. This potential second award is the Public Choice Award 2026 and votes can be cast until 12 May at this link vote online. 

All of the winners will be celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2026 on 28 May in Nicosia, Cyprus. The Awards Ceremony will be live streamed via the Europa Nostra website.

ENDS

Photo: Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam with Dublin City Council Culture Company Chief Executive Iseult Dunne outside of 14 Henrietta Street, Dublin