UNESCO’s Works of Art Collection: A Living Reflection of Humanity’s Creative Spirit

UNESCO Headquarters hosted a landmark event: the roundtable [i"Managing an Extraordinary Collection: A Symbol of International Dialogue"[/i] cast a bright spotlight on the Organization’s one-of-a-kind Art Collection — a living mosaic of global creativity and cultural exchange.

In addressing the event, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, emphasized the exceptional role that the Art Collection plays within the Organization.

The UNESCO Art Collection is a unique treasure, built over decades since the Organization’s founding. It is a living reflection of the world’s cultural diversity and the creative richness of humanity. From monumental frescoes to modern sculptures, from abstract canvases to traditional calligraphy, every work tells a story — that of a country, a people, an artist, and also of a shared ideal: peace through culture. - H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference

She described how the collection transforms UNESCO Headquarters into a veritable museum — a space of dialogue across cultures, time periods, and artistic traditions. Its power lies in its diversity and in the ability of creativity to transcend borders and unite people.

The collection embodies unity in diversity, the harmonious coexistence of the human spirit’s most varied expressions. It reminds us that creativity is a universal language, capable of crossing borders and connecting peoples. - H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference

Among the many artworks showcased, the restored Cucuteni vase, a masterpiece of Eastern European Neolithic art, was originally loaned to UNESCO by Romania in 1971. Time had left its mark on the artifact, necessitating a careful and expert-led restoration process.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the Romanian authorities and a team of dedicated professionals—including Frédéric de Clercq, President of the Committee of Experts for the Collection, Marie Gilleus, and expert restorers Constantin Preoteasa and Dumitru Bostan—the fragile vase was restored with great care and precision.

“This object, weakened by time, has regained its original beauty. It is a powerful symbol of how each item in the Collection carries a collective memory, and how restoration is not only an act of preservation but also one of recognition, transmission, and respect.”

The event highlighted a growing dynamic of cooperation between UNESCO and its Member States in safeguarding the UNESCO Art Collection. With a recent full inventory now available, countries are encouraged to identify works originating from their cultural heritage, raise awareness among their citizens, and support necessary restoration efforts.

Preserving, enhancing, and breathing new life into this collection is a way of affirming our commitment to a world where every culture has its place, and every voice can be heard. - H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference

The restoration of the Cucuteni vase is a model of such engagement — a compelling example of how culture, care, and collaboration can bring ancient history back into the global spotlight.

Romania’s contribution to the UNESCO Art Collection now includes four major works:

• The Cucuteni-Trypillia vessel (loaned in 1971)
• Angels and Airplanes, a tapestry by Mircea Cantor (donated in 2023)
• Rythmes, an oil painting by Viorel Mărginean (donated in 1993)
• Les traces de l’eau, an aluminum sculpture by Istvan Hajdu (donated in 1995)

In her concluding remarks, the President of the General Conference invited the public to rediscover the Art Collection:

Not merely as artistic heritage, but as a silent yet powerful manifesto for peace and for artistic and cultural dialogue. - H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference

The restoration of the Cucuteni vase stands not only as a technical achievement, but as a profound gesture of cultural diplomacy — an affirmation that, through art, memory endures and dialogue thrives.