Info
Welcome to the ERIH Annual Conference 2026
Industrial Heritage and Migration
28 - 30 October 2026 in Athens, Greece - Draft Programme tbc
Venue: Technopolis City of Athens
Discover the living connection between industrial history and migration – two foundational pillars of European development. The ERIH Annual Conference “Industrial Heritage and Migration” invites you to explore new perspectives together, discuss innovative approaches, and bring to light the diverse stories of the people who shaped Europe.
Since the dawn of industrialisation, migration has profoundly influenced the development of our cities, regions, and industries. From rural communities moving to the factories of growing urban centres, to movements within Europe and beyond – migration has always been a driving force of change, bringing knowledge, culture, and new perspectives. Yet this rich history often remains untold.
That’s why this conference is an important space for all who care about the future of cultural heritage.
Experience inspiring examples of how industrial heritage sites are:
- integrating migrant perspectives into their narratives
- reaching out to and engaging new audiences
- developing participatory formats that involve local communities
- creatively using collections to reveal historical connections
- highlighting knowledge and cultural transfer through migration
The speakers programme will be available online in July.
The ERIH Annual Conference in Athens is more than a meeting – it’s a space for encounter, learning, and shared work on an inclusive heritage culture that truly belongs to everyone.
Register now and become part of a conversation that doesn’t just talk about heritage – but helps shape it.
Industrial history is not only the story of machines. It is also the story of the people who came, worked, lived – and helped shape Europe.
WEDNESDAY, 28 October 2026: Members' Day
Venue: Industrial Gas Museum
13:00 CET Short guided tour by foot industrial Gas Museum and Gazi / Pireos street area (tbc)
Pireos str. proved very beneficial for the city since the very first decades of Athens as the capital of Greece, since it facilitated the transport of raw materials, from the port of Piraeus to Athens.Pireos street was completed in 1836 and had a total length of 8 km. The founding of the Athens Gasworks in the same year consolidated the industrial character of the area. In the following decades, the Gasworks gradually attracted around it, more and more industrial facilities, which used coal gas for lighting and heating purposes. During the 10th century, Pireos Street transformed into one of the largest industrial zones in Athens. Industrial plants, such as textile factories, spinning mills, metalworking and chemical industries and all types of small and large industrial facilities were established along its entire length. Today, the industrial buildings along and around Pireos Street, have been declared monuments of modern cultural heritage.
15:30 CET Arrival and refreshment in the Industrial Gas Museum / Registration
16:00 CET Opening of the ERIH Members' Day
- Welcome
- News from ERIH
- Introduction of new ERIH members
- Report of the National Coordinators
- Search and find: Open stage for exchange and networking
- Space for meetings of ERIH multipliers and theme groups
- National Coordinators
- Regional Route/Network Coordinators
- ERIH YP's
- Further groups as required and upon request
19:00 CET Welcome reception and get-together
SATURDAY, 29 October 2026: Conference Day
Draft programme ERIH Conference Day 29-10-2026.pdf
09:00 CET Registration
09:30 CET Welcome Remarks
10:00 CET Conference: Presentation I
13:00 CET Lunch and Group Photo
14:15 CET Conference: Presentation II and Workshops
17:30 CET End of the Conference
19:00 CET Evening Program and Dinner
The final program will be posted here in early July.
FRIDAY, 30 October 2026: Excursions (alternativ)
9:30-14:00 CET, 15:00 CET Return to the city. Drop-off at the airport if needed (available option only from Lavrion).
Tour 1: Lavrion Technological Cultural Park (60–65 km from Athens)
9:30-14:00 CET, 14:00 CET Return to the city.
Tour 2: Tobacco Factory, Athens Railroad Museum and Steam Power Plant of Neo Faliro (in Athens)
SATURDAY, 31 October 2026: Post-Conference (optional)
If there is sufficient interest, we will organize a post-conference tour on Saturday: a guided tour of the Acropolis and a visit to the Acropolis Museum.
Please indicate your interest on the registration form. We will keep you updated.
Provisional bookings are made in three hotels. Please check button "location" in the menu on the right.
We look forward to welcoming you in Athens.
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.