This week the World Monuments Fund (WMF) published their biannual list of the globe's cultural heritage most at risk "from the forces of nature and the impact of social, political, and economic change." 67 sites in 41 countries made this year's list.
"These sites—and countless others like them—recount our human history and highlight our achievements," said WMF president Bonnie Burnham in a press release. "It takes vigilance to keep them active in the world; yet it is often the case that the very places that provide rich character and texture to our lives need more assistance and attention than they are given."
"Six of the 67 sites are located in the United States: Chinati Foundation (Marfa, Texas), George Nakashima House, Studio, and Workshop (Bucks County, Pennsylvania), Henry Klumb House (San Juan, Puerto Rico), Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (St. Louis, Missouri), The Cloisters (New York, New York), and Taliesin (Spring Green, Wisconsin), the only U.S. site on this year's list which has appeared on the list before," writes Sara Johnson.
In St. Louis, Eero Saarinen's iconic stainless steel Arch suffers from corrosion and decreased government funding. "The complexity of preserving both the structural integrity and aesthetic qualities of the Arch compels cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure that adequate expertise and resources are brought to bear in the preservation of this important landmark and national symbol," says WMF.
FULL STORY: World Monuments Watch 2014 List Released
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