75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights: Universal Art Group creates perfect facsimile of the original document of pan-European significance on behalf of the Council of Europe
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75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights
On 4 November 1950, heads of state and government from 13 European countries signed a document in Rome that was to become one of the most important agreements in post-war European history: the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). By 2004, a further 32 states had acceded to the Convention, making it one of the most important documents for the whole of Europe.
The original document was not only signed personally by the first signatories, but also authenticated with wax seals. Signed by a total of 45 European countries, the document is now kept in the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg and is not accessible to the public, particularly due to its fragile condition.
In 2025, Europe will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the initial signing – and to mark the occasion, the Council of Europe has decided to make this important document accessible to the public and has commissioned the Universal Art Group to create a perfect facsimile of the original document. The document has been faithfully reproduced in every detail, including the 19 wax seals, true to the original.
On 10 and 11 October 2025, a high-profile ceremony will be held at the Palazzo Ducale in Venice to mark the opening of the exhibition Democracy through Law, during which the facsimile will be presented to the world for the first time – in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Also in 2025, the Venice Commission will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. The Commission advises the Council of Europe on all matters relating to the constitutions of its member states.
The exhibition DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW. From the Republic of Venice to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe will be on display at the Doge's Palace in Venice from 12 October 2025 to 6 January 2026.
The facsimile will continue to replace the fragile original in public displays and will be shown regularly throughout Europe. Especially in times like these, this sends a strong signal about the importance of protecting human rights – for over 700 million people in 45 European countries.
About Universal Art Group
The Universal Art Group, which includes the renowned German publishers Müller & Schindler and Faksimile Verlag, the Spanish publisher Eikon Editores and Kulturalis in London, is the world's largest publishing group in the field of art and facsimile publications. The services offered range from the digitisation of all types of artworks in the highest resolution to the faithful reproduction of old manuscripts and documents to the design and production of high-quality publications and merchandising items for museums and other cultural institutions.
The mission is clear: to preserve and communicate art and culture, thereby contributing to intercultural understanding worldwide. Because art connects people. More at www.universalartgroup.com
