European Preservation

WMF began working in Europe in the 1960s after floodwaters inundated Venice, focusing an international spotlight on its monuments. A long-time partnership with the Samuel H. Kress Foundation has been a cornerstone of WMF’s work.

The Kress Foundation European Preservation Program (KFEPP) helped launch conservation projects for significant art in an architectural context at many of Europe’s most important cultural monuments.

The European Fine Interiors Program, managed by WMF Europe, addresses threats faced by significant but neglected architectural interiors. Projects include a dozen sites in five countries, representing important interiors in former residences as well as religious and domestic buildings such as the Royal Abbey of Chaalis, France, and the Ostankino Palace in Moscow.

The program provides for restoration, maintenance, and interpretation for the public; survey and documentation of interior finishes; and technical assistance and opportunities for training in traditional crafts and preservation arts with European institutional and philanthropic partners. For more information about how WMF selects projects, please visit Request Assistance or Frequently Asked Questions.

If you would like to support our programs, you may give on-line or call our development staff at (646) 424-9594.

2007 KFEPP Grants

France, Church of Saint-Sulpice de Favières

Georgia, Byzantine Churches

Greece, Pella Macedonian Tombs

Ireland, Headfort House

Italy, Pisa Monumental Cemetery

Latvia, Rundāle Palace Museum Library

Poland, Zamość Renaissance Synagogue

Spain, Santa María de Miraflores

Turkey, Temple of Augustus and Rome

Turkey, Meryem Ana (Mother of God) Church

UK, Westminster Abbey Sedilia