World's largest congress on industrial heritage in Kiruna

On August 25–30, 2025, around 300 researchers and industrial heritage stakeholders from around the world will visit Kiruna. This year, Sweden's northernmost town and mining hub will host the 19th International Congress of the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage, TICCIH for short.

The theme of the 2025 Congress is 'Heritage in Action: Legacies of Industry in Future Making'. The Congress will address the role of industrial heritage in regions in the midst of large-scale industrial and societal transformation. Research on the cultural heritage of industrial societies can address research problems ranging from the role of cultural heritage in the creation of sustainable and attractive living environments, to antiquarian issues and conservation. Study objects include built environments and landscapes shaped by the industrial era, such as factories, mines, buildings, transportation and energy systems. It can also include intangible values such as local identities, professional pride and knowledge that influence visions of the future.

“Industrial heritage is important for the same reasons that cultural heritage in general is important. It is an anchor of collective memory and important for people's quality of life. It helps people feel at home in a place”, says Dag Avango, Professor of History at Luleå University of Technology and for many years a member of the TICCIH Board.

Industry as cultural heritage

The idea that industry can be cultural heritage emerged in the second half of the 20th century. The industrial cultural heritage has gained renewed relevance with the ongoing industrial transition process.

“We, as researchers in the field, must contribute with our knowledge. It is important that cultural heritage, including industrial heritage, is not lost in the rapid transition that is now taking place. It is a matter of creating synergies between the old and the new instead of them working against each other. The fact that the conference is taking place in Kiruna – a place where the transition process is happening before our very eyes – gives these issues a special weight,” says Dag Avango.

Kiruna was chosen as the host city because of its industrial tradition and history dating back to the 17th century, which paved the way for many Swedish industrial companies. It is home to the world's largest underground iron ore mine, as well as other strategic minerals. It is where present and future industrial processes meet, as well as the traditional land use of indigenous peoples and national minorities.

“It is positive that the conference is not only attended by researchers. We will have participants from different parts of the local community, including Tornedalians, Sami, municipal representatives and heritage professionals. Dialogue with these participants, who are affected by the changes in their daily lives, will be of great importance for the conference,” said Dag Avango.

Kiruna's unique cultural heritage

The Congress also marks the 50th anniversary of TICCIH. This gives Kiruna a unique opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, advanced industry and spectacular nature to a global audience.

“This year's Congress will be more global than ever, with over 300 speakers from all over the world, many traveling from outside Europe. The program includes scientific sessions, study visits, and topical issues on sustainability, inclusion, colonialism, AI, and the future of industrial heritage,” said Marion Steiner, Secretary General of TICCIH.

The 2025 TICCIH conference is made possible by the Swedish Industrial Heritage Society (SIM/TICCIH Sweden), Jernkontoret, Luleå University of Technology, Kiruna Municipality, the Swedish National Heritage Board and LKAB. The aim of the conference is to manage and highlight the role of industrial heritage, especially in a time of rapid change and extensive industrial green transition.