Art at the Council of Europe: pluralism at work

The Council of Europe’s various buildings are home to an extensive collection of works of art. Member and non-member states, regional and local authorities, and even artists themselves have donated works of art to the Council. These gifts symbolise their donors’ attachment to one of the oldest of Europe’s political organisations. They are a tangible expression of support for an organisation that views human rights as the focal point of society, as well as acknowledging that creative artists play a vital part in shaping attitudes and behaviour.

In particular, these works bear witness to the multicultural vision of Europe’s identity that the Council of Europe promotes. Over the years, ancient and contemporary works, decorative objects, objects of technological interest, sculptures and paintings have been added to the collection. The collection is a reminder of what constitutes the very essence of European society – unity that stems from diversity.

The collection contains works in three categories: archaeological items, decorative and technological objects, and works of contemporary art.

The collection is evolving all the time. The accession of new member states to the Council of Europe in recent decades and the construction of new buildings – the  European Youth Centre in the 1970s, the Human Rights Building in the 1990s and the Agora, inaugurated in 2008 – regularly open up fresh possibilities for displaying the works to a wider public.

Mirroring Europe’s cultural identity, the collection contrasts unity and diversity, and bears witness to the creativity of the peoples of Europe.

  See the collection of works of art