NEW YORK, NY.- In 2025, ​World Monuments Fund (WMF) ​will​ celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of dedication to preserving the world’s cultural heritage. Founded in 1965 by Colonel James A. Gray, WMF began with a bold mission to protect historic landmarks around the world ​​from mounting threats. Since then, WMF has expanded to support over 700 sites across 112 countries, providing communities with the expertise and resources needed to safeguard and revitalize the places that shape their identities.

“Heritage preservation is a force for resilience, unity, and hope, empowering communities to confront today's pressing challenges,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of WMF. “From climate change and over tourism to post-conflict recovery and inclusivity, WMF’s work supports communities by strengthening identities and fostering peace. Over the past 60 years, WMF has evolved to meet these complex challenges, growing from a pioneering initiative into a global authority on heritage preservation and positively impacting society along the way.”

The organization’s priorities are reflected in specific programs such as the Climate Heritage Initiative, Crisis Response Program, and Jewish Heritage Program. These initiatives are designed to further development of key projects and research in those specific areas.

In 1996, WMF launched the World Monuments Watch, a biennial, nomination-based program, to mobilize action, build public awareness and demonstrate how heritage can foster community resilience and unity. To date, WMF has raised more than $120 million toward projects at nearly 350 Watch sites, with the visibility provided by the Watch helping communities leverage an additional $300 million from other sources.

Since its founding in New York in 1965, WMF has expanded its reach through a network of regional offices, each addressing the specific heritage needs of its region. WMF Spain was established in 1992, followed by WMF Portugal in 1993, WMF Britain in 1995, WMF Peru in 2014, WMF India in 2015, and WMF France in 2023.
WMF’s history of transformative projects is exemplified by several landmark sites worldwide, each demonstrating the organization’s commitment to heritage preservation. Highlights include:

• ​Venice, Italy – In response to the devastating floods in 1966, WMF launched a major preservation campaign, eventually encompassing nearly 40 landmark buildings and masterworks throughout the city, while establishing models for international heritage conservation that would shape the organization’s future work worldwide.

• Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia – As the organization’s first field project, since 1966, WMF has worked to preserve these ancient churches through long-term stabilization and training programs for local craftspeople.

• Rapa Nui National Park, Chile – WMF has been active on Rapa Nui since 1967, collaborating with park administrators on conservation campaigns and developing tourism infrastructure to protect the island’s iconic cultural heritage.

• Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia — Since 1989, WMF has led conservation efforts to restore the temples and train local caretakers, supporting Cambodia’s post-conflict recovery and revitalizing the local economy.

• Future of Babylon, Iraq – Since 2008, WMF has worked with Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage to stabilize Babylon’s structures and support its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Bears Ears National Monument, United States – Added to the World Monuments Watch in 2020, Bears Ears covers 1.35 million acres of sacred Indigenous land in Utah. WMF supports sustainable tourism practices and Indigenous stewardship to protect its cultural and natural heritage.

WMF’s plans for 2025 include the launch of several new initiatives and projects to broaden its impact on global heritage preservation, including the announcement of the 2025 World Monuments Watch which will launch in mid-January. The Cultivating Resilience program, which develops climate adaptation for historic gardens and landscapes while preserving their cultural significance, will expand to additional sites. Sustainable tourism will remain a key focus, with new phases of work at Phnom Bakheng, Cambodia; Failaka Island, Kuwait; and Ciudad Perdida, Colombia. A new initiative with hospitality leader Accor as WMF’s Sustainable Tourism Partner for the 2025 World Monuments Watch will further these efforts, including support for work at selected Watch sites. WMF will also open new offices in China and Bahrain, advancing its global mission and strengthening local engagement.