On the occasion of his Annual General Meeting held in Herceg Novi, the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities - Destination Napoléon presented the Destination Napoléon 2026 International Awards. This first edition of the awards honoured five outstanding initiatives by towns, institutions and players committed to promoting Napoleonic heritage in Europe.
Created to highlight the most inspiring initiatives undertaken within the network, the Destination Napoléon International Award aims to recognise exemplary projects in several fields: research, heritage enhancement, education, cultural creation and sustainable tourism.
For this first edition, the entries testified to the wide variety of approaches developed by the members and partners of Destination Napoléon: exhibitions, historical re-enactments, educational tools, publications, artistic projects, mediation and cultural tourism initiatives.
The projects were examined by a jury made up of members of the Destination Napoléon Scientific Committee. Five winners were selected, as well as a special mention.
Research and scientific cooperation
Winner: «A “Picture” to reassemble» - Palazzo Reale, Milan
In the Research and scientific cooperation, the prize was awarded to the «A “Picture” to reassemble: the Coronation of Napoleon as King of Italy through clothing and objects».», supported by Royal Palace of Milan.
This project highlights Napoleon's coronation as King of Italy in 1805 through a scientific approach to the objects, clothes, jewellery and liturgical elements associated with this major event in Italian and European history.
The jury praised the quality of the research approach, as well as the project's ability to reconnect collections, objects and stories that are currently dispersed. It is a prime example of how research can enrich our understanding of Europe's Napoleonic heritage and renew its interpretation by the general public.
Promoting European heritage
Winner: Historical reconstruction of the Almeida headquarters - Municipality of Almeida
This major historical re-enactment of the events of 1810 offers a complete immersion in the history of the Peninsular War. It combines camp life, military manoeuvres, civilian scenes, workshops, ceremonies, music and activities for families.
The jury wanted to highlight the strength of this initiative, which makes history accessible to a wide audience while reinforcing Almeida's role as a major European place of remembrance linked to the Napoleonic period. The project stands out for its historical accuracy, its visibility and its ability to bring together residents, visitors, re-enactors and cultural players to create a living heritage experience.
Cultural and educational exchanges for young people
Winner: «Sharing European History Through RHLT Educational Tools» - Historical Route of the Torres Vedras Lines
In the Cultural and educational exchanges for young people, the prize was awarded to the «Sharing European History Through RHLT Educational Tools», supported by Historical Route of the Torres Vedras Lines.
This project is developing innovative educational tools for young audiences, in particular the board game Napoleon: The Beginning of the End and children's books Jean, John and João.
The jury recognised the quality, scope and European dimension of this initiative, which combines learning, play, storytelling and cultural cooperation. By 2025, these tools had reached more than 1,500 young people, demonstrating the ability of the Cultural Routes to create attractive educational tools for schools, families and younger generations.
Special mention: Municipality of Almeida
A special mention was also awarded to Municipality of Almeida for the coherence and richness of its educational work with young audiences.
Through school activities, children's publications, museum workshops and dance mediation, Almeida is developing a broad, accessible and creative approach to the transmission of Napoleonic heritage. This special mention recognises a lasting commitment to education, creativity and local roots.
Contemporary arts and culture
Winner: «Trapped in the Museum: The Haunted Souls» - Municipality of Almeida
In the Contemporary arts and culture, the prize was awarded to Municipality of Almeida for the project «Trapped in the Museum: The Haunted Souls».
This immersive experience takes the form of a museum escape game, guided by the historical character of Lieutenant John Beresford. Visitors are invited to take part in a scenographic journey where they have to solve riddles, follow a story and discover our heritage through emotion, curiosity and imagination.
The jury praised the originality of this proposal, which transforms a visit to the museum into an active, participatory experience. The project is a particularly successful example of contemporary mediation applied to Napoleonic history.
Cultural tourism and sustainable cultural development
Winner: «Camp Multi-époques et Multivers» - City of Coudekerque-Branche
In the Cultural tourism and sustainable cultural development, the prize was awarded to City of Coudekerque-Branche for the project «Multi-epic and Multiverse Camp».
This public event brings together several historical periods around a living camp, including a Napoleonic bivouac. It combines historical re-enactment, cultural mediation, educational activities and tourist attractions.
The jury singled out this project for its strong local impact and its ability to reach out to both schools and the general public. The event welcomed several thousand visitors and raised awareness among 2,600 schoolchildren, showing how re-enactment, education, local tourism and civic participation can be mutually reinforcing.
A first edition looking to the future
Through this first edition of the Destination Napoléon International Award, the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities - Destination Napoléon wishes to encourage the best practices developed by its members and partners.
The five award-winning initiatives illustrate the vitality of the network and the diversity of ways in which the Napoleonic heritage can be brought to life today: through research, education, creation, mediation, historical re-enactment and cultural tourism.
These projects are a reminder that Destination Napoléon is not just an itinerary through history. It is also a living network of towns, museums, researchers, cultural professionals, educators and regions committed to passing on a shared European heritage.
This first edition is the start of a tradition that will continue, with the aim of showcasing every year the initiatives that contribute to the reputation of Destination Napoléon in Europe.
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