Who are we?

The Ename Center for Public Archaeology and Heritage Presentation brings together people from around the world to exchange knowledge and expertise on heritage issues and to put them into practice. We use the ICOMOS Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites, also commonly known as the ICOMOS Ename Charter as our guideline.

The charter introduces principles on the presentation and interpretation of cultural heritage sites. In September of 2008 it will be submitted in Quebec to the General Assembly of ICOMOS (International Committee on Monuments and Sites).

The maintenance and restoration of cultural sites are but a step stone towards the local involvement, accessibility and authenticity which also play important roles in the sustainable management, maintenance and presentation of cultural heritage sites.

The Ename Charter is the first official document of ICOMOS that collects these principles as guidelines on how to deal with cultural heritage from the perspective of interpretation.

What makes us unique?

By the combination of several factors we gained a unique place in the cultural heritage landscape. We work at both local and international levels inspired by the Ename Charter that we ourselves initiated, start projects, do research, organise activities and courses, and create international forums for different kind of peer groups within the heritage community. By paying attention to stories, people and the specific cultural settings behind monuments and sites, we cross the border between tangible and intangible heritage.

There is no other institution in Flanders or abroad that deals with cultural heritage in such a pluralistic way.