Seven finalists announced for the 2026 EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture
The seven finalist works underscore the cultural diversity and architectural excellence that define contemporary architecture across Europe.
Architecture as a reference for local and regional action
The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have announced the seven finalists for the 2026 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture / Mies van der Rohe Awards. Five projects have been selected in the architecture category and two in the emerging category.
Finalist in the architecture category
Rehabilitation of Vapor Cortès - Prodis 1923, Terrassa, Catalonia (Spain) by H ARQUITECTES
Gruž Market, Dubrovnik, Adriatic Croatia (Croatia) by ARP / Peračić-Veljačić
Finalist in the emerging category
Why has the jury selected these finalists?
The jury considers these works to be exemplary contributions to the future of European architecture. They demonstrate how architecture can respond to both local conditions and wider societal challenges, creating inclusive, high-quality environments for living, learning, and meeting.
The selected projects strike a careful balance between innovation and sensitivity to context. Whether transforming overlooked areas or intervening thoughtfully in established urban settings, they reflect a deep understanding of social, cultural, and environmental realities.
United by a strong focus on the human dimension, these works show how architecture can enhance everyday life. At a time of political, environmental, and social challenges, they reaffirm the enduring value of thoughtful and engaged design.
Next steps in the selection process
April 2026
The winners will be announced in Oulu (Finland), European Capital of Culture in 2026.
May 2026
Awards ceremony at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.
The Architecture Prize winner and the Emerging Architecture Prize Winner will receive a trophy and respectively €60 000 and €30 000.
The finalists and the project supporters (those who commission the buildings) will also receive a sculpture recognizing their essential contributions to contemporary architecture.
About the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture
The EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture/Mies van der Rohe Awards (EUmies Awards), supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme, is awarded every second year to works completed within the previous 2 years by architects from Creative Europe participating countries.
The principal objective of the prize is to recognise and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture. It also highlights the important contribution of European professionals to the sustainable development and transformation of Europe’s built environment.
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