Twenty Years of the World Monuments Watch

Since its launch in 1996, the World Monuments Watch has brought attention to the conservation needs of 790 cultural heritage sites in 135 countries and territories. For hundreds of sites, the Watch has served as a catalyst for action, leading to improved safeguarding of places of cultural heritage, more suitable tourism management, and increased community engagement.

The first twenty years of the biennial Watch program have provided opportunities to discover little-known places, as well as gems hiding in plain sight, highlighting the fact that treasured architectural masterpieces—no matter how beloved—can face tremendous conservation challenges.