1966
Leaning Tower of Pisa
World Monuments Fund (then called International Fund for Monuments) founded by Colonel James A. Gray, intrigued by challenges facing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
2018 World Monuments Watch Press Kit
Dedicated to saving the world's most treasured places
Stewardship for Future Generations
World Monuments Fund is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1965 by individuals concerned about the accelerating destruction of important artistic treasures throughout the world. Now celebrating 50 years, World Monuments Fund has orchestrated over 600 projects in 90 countries. Today, with affiliate organizations established in Britain, India, Peru, Portugal, and Spain — World Monuments Fund sponsors an ongoing program for the conservation of cultural heritage worldwide. The World Monuments Watch, a global program launched in 1995 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of World Monuments Fund, aims to identify imperiled cultural heritage sites and direct financial and technical support for their preservation.
Looking Back
Monumental Milestones
1966
Venice Floods
WMF committee raises funds for sites affected by Venice flooding; 25 buildings would be restored.
1966
Lalibela, Ethiopia
WMF begins preservation project at Lalibela, Ethiopia, its first in Africa.
1967
Easter Island
Easter Island Committee formed with the Chilean government. Tours follow to raise awareness.
1977
First Project in Spain
Shortly after Franco dictatorship ends, WMF launches its first project in Spain at the cathedral in Toledo.
1978
First Project in Asia
Gokarna complex project launched in Kathmandu, WMF's first project in Asia.
1984
IFM becomes World Monuments Fund
Colonel Gray retires, Bonnie Burnham appointed executive director, and IFM becomes World Monuments Fund.
1985
Mexico City Earthquake
Conservation program launched for earthquake-damaged twentieth-century murals in Mexico City.
1987
European Preservation Program
Kress Foundation provides funding to establish European Preservation Program. First projects are at Saint-Trophime in Arles, France, and the Portada de la Majestad in Toro, Spain.
1988
Affiliate Program
Affiliates established in Italy and France.
1988
Collapse of the Soviet Union
Jewish Heritage program established with support of Hon. Ronald S. Lauder; preservation program begins to expand beyond former Iron Curtain.
1988
Hadrian Award
Hadrian Award established. First recipient is Carlo de Benedetti.
1989
Mission to Angkor
First mission to Angkor in Cambodia, where WMF is the first Western organization to survey temples since the 1950s.
1991
Conflict in Yugoslavia Begins
The Siege of Dubrovnik and the destruction of the old bridge in Mostar will prompt WMF post-conflict restoration activities at both sites.
1992
Affiliates Added
World Monuments Fund Spain (1992) and Portugal (1993) established.
1995
World Monuments Watch
Launch of the World Monuments Watch with American Express as founding sponsor. First list released in 1996.
1995
WMF Britain
World Monuments Fund Britain established.
1997
Earthquakes in Italy
Umbria and Marche earthquake in Central Italy WMF begins restoration at several earthquake-damaged sites in Umbria.
1999
Wilson Challenge
The Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage is created, providing more than $100 million to nearly 200 heritage sites over the next decade.
2003
War Begins in Iraq
WMF launches initiative to rebuild capacity of Iraq's antiquities staff.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
Post-catastrophe preservation programs established in New Orleans.
2006
Modernism at Risk
Modernism at Risk initiative, dedicated to the preservation of twentieth-century architecture, established with support from Knoll.
2011
Great East Japan Earthquake
WMF begins work to preserve cultural heritage sites damaged in the Japan disaster.
2014
WMF's 50th Anniversary
WMF’s 50th Anniversary period launched with events in London, including talks by John Julius Norwich and William Dalrymple.
Our Team
Our team has been recognized as some of the brightest and most capable minds in the field of heritage preservation.
Affiliates
Affiliates
In addition to hands-on management, our affiliates identify, develop, and manage projects, negotiate local partnerships, and attract local support to complement funds provided by U.S. donors.
- Britain
- India
- Peru
- Portugal
- Spain
Featured Partners
Featured Partners
Our work depends on the generous support of corporate and foundation partners, who make a wide range of projects around the world possible.
Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage
2019 Watch Magazine
2019 Watch Magazine
2019 Watch Magazine
Every two years, the World Monuments Watch issues a call to action for treasured cultural heritage sites around the globe. Since 1996, when the Watch was founded with support from American Express, the program has recognized 790 sites facing...
Contact Us
World Monuments Fund
Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
Suite 2412
New York, NY 10118
Tel: 646-424-9594
Fax: 646-424-9593