Blanda Matica Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Croatian Heritage Preservation

Blanda Matica, a distinguished conservator and architect, has been honored with the Vicko Andrić lifetime achievement award for her decades-long dedication to safeguarding, restoring, and preserving Croatia's architectural heritage. The Ministry of Culture and Media announced the recipients of the 2025 awards, which recognize exceptional contributions to cultural heritage protection.

Matica's extensive career includes significant work in conservation and restoration projects across Croatia. She has held key leadership positions, including director of the Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and deputy director of the Croatian Conservation Institute. Her contributions are noted for their professional expertise, interdisciplinary approach, and leadership in complex projects, enhancing the national system for cultural heritage protection. Even after retirement, Matica continued her work, preparing conservation plans for historic buildings damaged in the 2020 Zagreb earthquake.

The annual Vicko Andrić award for outstanding contributions to cultural heritage protection was presented to a professional team led by Viki Jakaša Borić. Their work focused on the comprehensive and energy-efficient renovation of the Oršić – Jakovlje Artist's Castle and its sculpture park. Additionally, fra Josip Sopti received an award for his dedication to protecting and promoting cultural and sacral heritage in the Dubrovnik region, highlighting community engagement in heritage preservation.