Abstract

The first #3D #CulturalHeritage object #3DforCulture harvested by Europeana.eu in the post- #BREXIT era from the UK, is now a reality.

https://unescochair-dch.net/Guildhall_Great_Hall

We are proud to celebrate a landmark achievement for European #DigitalCultural heritage, #CulturalDiplomacy and international collaboration.

The magnificent Great Hall of the City of London Guildhall, London City of London Corporation: City View has become the first #3D #CulturalHeritage asset from the United Kingdom to be successfully harvested by #Europeana in the post-Brexit era, marking an important milestone in the renewed cultural and scientific collaboration between the United Kingdom and EUrope.

This achievement is far more than the digital documentation of an iconic historic space. It demonstrates that cultural heritage has the power to build bridges where borders exist, connecting people, institutions and nations through shared history, innovation and common values.

In 2023, the #XRchiving Consortium invited the Unesco Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology / Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου to deliver a keynote address at the XRchiving Workshop: City of London Corporation: City View and the Future of the Virtual Past, hosted at King’s College London , marking the beginning of the twelve-month tenure of the newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of London, The Right Honourable Prof. Michael Mainelli. In his inaugural vision, the Lord Mayor highlighted the importance of culture not only as a driver of economic prosperity but also as a catalyst for intellectual growth and international collaboration. He introduced the inspiring concept of a new Digital Coffee House, an inclusive space where cultural heritage could connect people from different backgrounds, disciplines and cultures through curiosity, dialogue and the understanding that we have far more in common than that which divides us.

During the workshop session, “The United Kingdom & Europe – Re-forging Links,” we served as raconteur, presenting the evolving landscape of cultural heritage cooperation between the United Kingdom and Europe in the post-Brexit era. It was during this discussion that a visionary proposal first emerged: to digitally document the Great Hall of the City of London Guildhall and submit it as a guest contribution to Europeana and the European Commission’s #TwinIt initiative.

Although this could not be realised immediately, visionary ideas have a way of enduring. During the #EuroMed2026 #DigitalHeritage Summit, hosted by the Cyprus University of Technology, the concept was revisited and key stakeholders came together to transform the vision into a concrete international collaboration. The project demonstrated how the Great Hall could become part of the wider European digital cultural heritage ecosystem, reigniting the initiative.

Led with remarkable dedication by Tam McDonald (Cradle of English), and supported by Ronald Haynes (University of Cambridge and IIIF 3D), Thomas Flynn (Spatial Heritage Review), and the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage team , the project evolved into a truly international collaboration. The digitisation was successfully undertaken by King’s College London, Arts University Bournemouth, and the University of Cambridge at the end of 2025.

The resulting high-quality 3D model was successfully aggregated through the #EUreka3D #DataHub, developed within the European Commission-funded #EUreka3D and #EUreka3DXR projects in which UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage at the Cyprus University of Technology was a Key partner As a result, the Great Hall has now entered the European digital cultural heritage ecosystem, ensuring its long-term preservation, interoperability, discoverability and reuse through Europeana.

This milestone represents more than technological excellence. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved through shared vision, trust, perseverance and international cooperation. It reaffirms that cultural heritage remains a common European legacy that transcends political boundaries and continues to unite researchers, institutions and citizens across Europe and beyond.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we have demonstrated that collaboration, innovation and determination can transform an idea into a lasting contribution to Europe’s digital memory.

From a conversation in London to a European success story… from small acorns, great oaks grow.