Drawings and writings of children during wartime in Europe: 1914-1950

Key Information

Register:

International

Year of Inscription:

2025

Type of Heritage:

Collection

Nominating Institution:

Le Musée Elbinsel Wilhelmsburg (Germany), Le Musée de Montmartre (France), L`Institut de l´Histoire des Personnes (Germany), National Arts Education Archive - Yorkshire Sculpture Park (United Kingdom), Musée de l´École de Nuremberg (Germany), Les Archives de l'Ontario (Canada / Spain), Musée de l'Éducation de l'Université du Pays basque (Spain), Musée de la Ville de Düsseldorf (Germany), Mémorial de la Shoah, Paris (France), Musée juif de Prague (Chzech Republic), Bibliothèque nationale de France / Maison d’Izieu (France), Archives d'Histoire Contemporaine, Zurich (Switzerland), Musée National de l’Éducation, Rouen (France), L´Institut international pour l'étude du dessin de jeunesse, Collections du Pestalozzianum, Zurich (Switzerland), Archives de Varsovie (Poland), Archives municipales de Saarbruck (Germany), Fondation Village d'enfants Pestalozzi (Switzerland).

Link to Website:

ysp.org.uk/news/national-arts-education-archives-childrens-wartime-art-collection-gains-unesco-recognition

The collection of documents, drawings, paintings, writings by young people, along with two youth journals depict key “wartime” events and their aftermath. Through their creativity, rich motifs and direct language, these documents transcend national borders, offering possibilities for dialogue and compassion.

They serve as a democratic heritage of urban and rural cultures across Europe, created by boys and girls of different ages and social classes. Offering universal testimonies of different cultures, they provide valuable insights for future generations.

Further information on the National Arts Education Archive (Yorkshire Sculpture Park) website