One of the main missions of the Historical Archives of the European Union is to raise the visibility, public recognition and consultation of the EU institutions’ historical archives. The HAEU actively promotes public engagement through various outreach initiatives. It opens its doors to interested citizens, and offers and supports a range of educational and cultural activities. Throughout the year, the HAEU welcomes visiting dignitaries and government officials, numerous clubs and associations from civil society, as well as representatives from EU institutions and agencies. Bespoke tours are frequently planned for interested parties over the course of the year.
The Historical Archives hosts an Open Day each year around 9 May to celebrate Europe Day. The first Open Day was held in 2013, and the annual event has been appreciated and well-attended by thousands of members of the local community, as well as distinguished visitors to the European University Institute. Over the years the programme has included guided tours of the archival deposits and of Villa Salviati and its gardens, readings and projections of selected historical documents and photographs, concerts, art exhibits, historical re-enactments, stands and activities for children.
The Open Day is an opportunity to bring attention to the project of European integration and inform the public about the Archives’ role in making the history of the European Union accessible. It is also an occasion to share the beautiful cultural and architectural patrimony of Villa Salviati.
Photos from the Open Day in various years.
The HAEU curates or supports exhibitions that share its collections and inform the general public about the history of European integration. In 2017, the HAEU developed a large-scale traveling exhibition entitled Ever Closer Union, which explored the legacy of the Rome Treaties at their 60th anniversary. In recent years, the HAEU has focused on online exhibitions, now featuring more than a dozen on its website. One of them is the flagship interactive exhibition developed in collaboration with the House of European History. The virtual exhibition European Community at Expo 58 allows visitors to participate in a virtual tour of the European Coal and Steel Community pavilion from Expo 58 in Brussels.
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