![A damaged section of Monte Albán Archaeological Site following a 2017 earthquake. A damaged section of Monte Albán Archaeological Site following a 2017 earthquake.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/mex_zona_arqueologica_de_monte_alban_y_atzompa_danos_monte_alban_2017_6.jpg?itok=85VsmKFt)
In May, more than $1 million in funding was awarded to support disaster response and restoration efforts at Monte Albán Archaeological Site in Oaxaca, Mexico. Fifteen structures within Monte Albán were affected by a devastating September 2017 earthquake, and subsequently the site was included on the 2018 World Monuments Watch as part of the Disaster Sites of the Caribbean, the Gulf, and Mexico. A partnership with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) began in summer 2018 to address the long-term stability of Monte Albán, including conservation, documentation, capacity building, and geological assessment.
![Watch Day at the Grand Theater of Prince Kung's Mansion in Beijing, China. Watch Day at the Grand Theater of Prince Kung's Mansion in Beijing, China.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/watch_day_06.jpg?itok=KwCvilbW)
In 2018, nine sites from the 2018 World Monuments Watch held Watch Days to engage communities in celebrating their built heritage while highlighting the importance of local stewardship in sustainable preservation. Seen here, community members learn more about the Grand Theater of Prince Kung’s Mansion in Beijing, China.
![The restoration team stands before the conserved aron kodesh of the Great Synagogue of Iaşi. The restoration team stands before the conserved aron kodesh of the Great Synagogue of Iaşi.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/rou_synagogue_of_iasi_assembly_after_cons_2018.jpg?itok=RAm94pkv)
In summer 2018, the restoration of the Great Synagogue of Iaşi in Romania was completed following its inclusion on the 2014 World Monuments Watch. Though many thought the structure’s ornate aron kodesh could not be saved, WMF supported its challenging restoration—stabilizing and conserving the structure. The historic and sacred site will now be accessible for generations to come.
![David Ngwenya, a local steward of Matobo Hills Cultural Landscape in Zimbabwe, stands in front of its endangered rock art. David Ngwenya, a local steward of Matobo Hills Cultural Landscape in Zimbabwe, stands in front of its endangered rock art.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/_dsc0270.jpg?itok=6odrnd5c)
In June, American Express awarded $1 million to support conservation activities at eight of the threatened sites included on the 2018 World Monuments Watch. Among the awarded sites was Matobo Hills Cultural Landscape, one the world’s greatest rock art collections in Zimbabwe, seen here.
![The remains of al-Hadba’ Minaret in the old city of Mosul, a 2018 World Monuments Watch site featured on the new Google Arts & Culture platform. The remains of al-Hadba’ Minaret in the old city of Mosul, a 2018 World Monuments Watch site featured on the new Google Arts & Culture platform.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/after_destruction_minaret_0.jpg?itok=aFXdc3Ac)
In the spring, World Monuments Fund launched an online platform with Google Arts & Culture, showcasing the unique stories of Iraq’s endangered heritage sites and the extraordinary efforts to preserve them. The platform utilizes drone footage, never-before-seen 3-D models, and more features to bring dozens of remarkable heritage sites to your fingertips.
![A guest at WMF's launch with Google Arts & Culture explores the new platform in VR. A guest at WMF's launch with Google Arts & Culture explores the new platform in VR.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/google-7945.jpg?itok=JBtVmdEB)
“Preserving Iraq’s Heritage” was unveiled at a panel discussion in June at Google’s NYC headquarters, where experts in the field explored what comes next for Iraq’s conflict-damaged heritage, moderated by Arwa Damon, multi award-winning Senior International Correspondent for CNN.
![A view of Rome from the restored Farnese Aviaries. A view of Rome from the restored Farnese Aviaries.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/ita_rome_palatine_the_central_terrace_2018.jpg?itok=EJtWorEQ)
In 2018, conservation work was completed at the Farnese Aviaries, sixteenth-century twin pavilions considered among the best-preserved Renaissance remains on Rome’s Palatine Hill. Following the site’s inclusion on the 2014 World Monuments Watch, WMF partnered with the Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologica di Roma in the comprehensive restoration of the aviaries. They are now open to the public, providing an enhanced visitor experience and understanding of this complex site.
![Trainees practice stone carving techniques in Mafraq, Jordan. Trainees practice stone carving techniques in Mafraq, Jordan.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/_28a9060.jpg?itok=C-HJ4qPW)
This fall marked graduation for the first trainees from our stonemasonry conservation training program for Syrian refugees and Jordanians in Mafraq, Jordan. Launched in 2017, the program provides skills essential to restoring conflict-affected built heritage while also offering professional development and promoting transnational learning. Special thanks to WMF Britain and Petra National Trust for leading the program, as well as generous project support from the British Council and Friends of Heritage Preservation.
![Nina Simone's childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina. Nina Simone's childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/ninasimone_house_13_crnancypierce.jpg?itok=9jEuDX1O)
This summer, the childhood home of Nina Simone, Civil Rights icon and revolutionary musician and singer, was named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In partnership with WMF, the National Trust will develop a new use for the dilapidated yet globally-significant property, purchased recently by four African-American artists – Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Ellen Gallagher, and Julie Mehretu – to maintain Simone’s legacy.
![Exterior of Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, England. Exterior of Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, England.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/wmfmoseley-116.jpg?itok=p3IpqXt4)
The spring marked great news for 2016 World Monuments Watch site Moseley Road Baths. Following years of advocacy in response to the site’s pending closure, the Birmingham City Council and the Moseley Road Baths coalition agreed on a plan of action to keep the baths open and thriving. A charitable group formed by local groups now operates the complex, and over £1 million from a coalition of funders, including World Monuments Fund, is being channeled into emergency repairs and a sustainable plan for its future.
![The exterior of the Karl Marx School, winner of the 2018 WMF/Knoll Modernism Prize. The exterior of the Karl Marx School, winner of the 2018 WMF/Knoll Modernism Prize.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/dscf3878.jpg?itok=NtbX0b-p)
In December, WMF awarded the 2018 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize to Agence Christiane Schmuckle-Mollard, for the rehabilitation of the Karl Marx School in Villejuif, France, designed and built by André Lurçat in 1933. For the first time in the ten year history of the prize, a special mention was also awarded to Harboe Architects, PC for their preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois. The prize recognizes architects or designers that have demonstrated innovative solutions to preserve or save threatened modern architecture.
![The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, as captured by Iwan Baan. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, as captured by Iwan Baan.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/lalibela_9156.jpg?itok=9jrx76qi)
In April, renowned photographer Iwan Baan discussed the role photography plays in bringing historic places to life at our annual Paul Mellon Lecture. Baan’s work at cultural heritage sites around the world demonstrates his keen ability to see beyond a building's walls and amplify their human stories. Seen here are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, where WMF has worked since the 1960s, as captured by Iwan Baan.
![The Mausoleum of Bibi Maryam at Qalhât in Oman. The Mausoleum of Bibi Maryam at Qalhât in Oman.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/omn_qalhat.jpg?itok=4jYw_zmD)
In the summer, the ancient city of Qalhât in Oman was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the 11th to 16th centuries, Qalhât was one of the most important Islamic commercial trade hubs in the Indian Ocean. Today, it is a largely an archaeological site with one significant standing structure, the Mausoleum of Bibi Maryam, pictured here. WMF became involved at Qalhât in 2013, preserving excavated areas and preparing a detailed management plan to assist the Omani government in presenting the site properly.
![Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, left, and Prince Amyn Aga Khan, recipients of the 2018 Hadrian Awards. Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, left, and Prince Amyn Aga Khan, recipients of the 2018 Hadrian Awards.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/0072_hadriangala2018.jpg?itok=4Om0_6Av)
In October at the annual Hadrian Gala, WMF honored Prince Amyn Aga Khan and Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler with the 2018 Hadrian Awards in recognition of their leadership advancing the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of the world’s cultural heritage. Prince Amyn holds multiple leadership roles within the Aga Khan Development Network, and Dr. Leal has served as the historian of the city of Havana, Cuba, since 1967.
![The conserved facade of Jeronimos Church and Monastery. The conserved facade of Jeronimos Church and Monastery.](https://www.wmf.org/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow_s/public/slideshow/photo_03-01-18_09_28_53.jpg?itok=esBm7LXT)
In 2018, our latest round of work at the iconic Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal, was completed when scaffolding was removed from its portal to reveal the finished conservation of sculptures adorning its surface. WMF’s long-standing commitment to the 16th-century masterpiece began in 1999.
This work is made possible by you, our dedicated and passionate supporters. Thank you for all you do for cultural heritage sites and communities around the world.
We look forward to sharing more progress in 2019. From all of us at World Monuments Fund, Happy New Year!
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