Public Education Prize of the City of Vienna 2021

As the youngest ever woman to receive the award, Monika Sommer, director of the House of Austrian History (hdgö), is the winner of the City of Vienna’s Public Education Prize. Awarded annually since 1947, the prize recognises exceptional and inspirational achievements in the field of education that advance the development of society. Monika Sommer was announced as the winner of the Public Education Prize in autumn 2021 and was awarded the prize by Vienna’s City Councillor for Cultural Affairs and Science, Veronica Kaup-Hasler, at a ceremony in May 2022.

The prizes of the City of Vienna are awarded each year on the basis of nominations by independent, expert juries; it is not possible to apply for an award. Historian Monika Sommer has been director of the museum for contemporary history since it was founded and was reappointed for a further five years at the end of 2021.

Monika Sommer accepted the prize as recognition of the museum and its role as an educational institution: ‘I am absolutely delighted about this accolade. It shows that within a short space of time, we have succeeded in establishing our new museum as an important place of education. For us, strengthening awareness of the value of democracy and the rule of law, of civil and human rights is a central mission, one that includes the fight against antisemitism and for equal rights for minorities. We strive to reach all generations and overcome barriers to education. On behalf of my entire team, I would like to thank the City of Vienna for this award.’