Euro Notes Get New Designs Honoring Culture and Nature
The European Central Bank has unveiled ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro notes. The designs are divided into two themes: one honoring European culture and the other showcasing rivers and birds from across the continent.
The cultural theme features famous figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Maria Callas, and Marie Curie on various denominations of euro notes. Each design team was given a unique approach to representing these figures in their work. For example, Studio Joost Grootens clipped historical pictures around the eyes and lips, leaving only observation and expression.
The nature theme features birds paired with European institutions such as the European Parliament and the ECB building. Rudy Guedj and François Girard-Meunier's design combines abstract landscapes with a continuous ribbon of light that evolves throughout the series.
A total of 1200 graphic artists from throughout the EU applied for the contest when it went live in 2025. The independent jury of 21 specialists then began evaluating the proposals, reducing them down to ten final designs based on criteria such as inventiveness and accessibility.