History of the EBRD exhibition

The EBRD has marked a special milestone with the launch of a new permanent historical exhibition at the Bank’s headquarters, celebrating 35 years of impact, evolution and purpose.

The exhibition brings together defining moments, projects and people that have shaped the Bank since its founding in 1991. The launch event formed part of the EBRD’s 35th anniversary celebrations and welcomed colleagues and guests to reflect on how the institution has grown while remaining true to its mandate and values.

Telling the EBRD story

The exhibition, located in the ground floor lobby as you enter the building, is open to all visitors.

It presents a visual narrative of the Bank’s journey, from its origins to the present day. For staff, it serves as a shared institutional resource, preserving organisational memory and helping to explain not just what we do, but why we do it the way we do. For visitors to the Bank, it offers a clear introduction to who we are, what we stand for and what makes the EBRD distinct among its peers. For alumni, it may prove a trip down memory lane and an opportunity recall profound events that you have been part of.

A living, evolving space

Designed as a dynamic rather than a static display, the exhibition will update and evolve over time. An interactive timeline will grow as the EBRD continues to evolve. Sections will be updated as more milestones are reached along our journey. One of the current exhibition highlights is a special feature on the EBRD’s role in international efforts to make Chornobyl safe, marking 40 years since the disaster.

Part of the new Knowledge Hub

The historical exhibition is part of a wider project encompassing the Knowledge Hub, a new space on Level 13 dedicated to continuous learning and knowledge sharing. Together, they form part of a broader effort to ensure the Bank’s knowledge, both past and present, remains accessible, relevant and ready for the future.

We would like to thank all of you who provided books for the library. By linking institutional memory with learning, collaboration and future digital capabilities, the Knowledge Hub underlines the importance of knowledge as one of the EBRD’s most valuable strategic assets.

A highly collaborative project

It was my pleasure to provide creative and editorial direction, and not a little photo research, on this project. The written content of the exhibition was prepared by alumnus Tony Williams, in close cooperation Andrew Kilpatrick and Joanne Conway in the Knowledge Management team. People Like Us designed the physical structure and content layout, creating a feature that feels both fresh and timeless in our lobby.

It was their idea to incorporate a full-sized replica of a section of the Berlin Wall! Corporate Services were integral to delivery and installation of the complex structure. Overall leadership was provided by Richard Porter, MD Communications, Esra Fanoscu, MD Corporate Services, and Subhash Jose, MD Information Services – who is also the project sponsor for the knowledge management project.

Visit the exhibition

On your next visit to Bank Street, alumni are encouraged to explore the exhibition, engage with the Bank’s history and reflect on how it continues to inform our work. A full guided walkthrough of the exhibition is also planned as part of the President’s Alumni Reunion.

Please reach out to alumniE@ebrd.com if you would like a tour.

Bryan Whitford
EBRD Head of Editorial and Creative