The European Central Bank (ECB) will soon include Leonardo da Vinci on one of its redesigned euro banknotes. The Renaissance figure will feature on the new 100-euro note.
The ECB plans to launch a design contest in 2025, with the final design selection expected in 2026.
ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted the need for an update, “After more than two decades, it’s time for a redesign that better represents Europe’s diversity.” The euro, introduced on 1 January 2002, has not undergone major visual changes until now.
Public opinion helped shape the new euro banknote themes. The ECB’s Governing Council selected two main ideas: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds.” The first celebrates historical figures and cultural sites, while the second highlights Europe’s landscapes and wildlife.
“These new designs will embody Europe’s heritage and shared identity,” Lagarde stated. “They reflect both our cultural achievements and natural beauty.”
Recognising Key Figures and Landscapes
The “European Culture” series will reflects “Europe’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic cultural and creative sectors” which strengthen the European identity, the ECB website states.
The website continues, “’European culture’” celebrates the shared cultural spaces that have shaped European identity over the centuries. The motifs for this theme depict various cultural activities and spaces, as well as iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe’s cultural heritage.”
“Rivers and birds” was selected as they do not recognise borders, “symbolising freedom and unity amongst Europeans and our connection to nature”. Furthermore, the ECB site says “’Rivers and birds’ highlights the resilience and diversity of Europe’s natural ecosystems by showcasing different stages of rivers and various bird species, emphasising the importance of nature and environmental protection. The European institutions featured on the banknotes remind us of the fundamental values of the European project that also embraces environmental protection.”
European culture euro banknotes
The European culture banknotes will show the following personalities:
- 5-euro note: Maria Callas (opera singer) Reverse – Street performers
- 10-euro note: Ludwig van Beethoven (composer) Reverse – singing choir
- 20-euro note: Marie Curie (scientist) – Reverse- female teacher with students
- 50-euro note: Miguel de Cervantes (writer) Reverse – Library
- 100-euro note: Leonardo da Vinci (polymath) Reverse – Street/contemporary art
- 200-euro note: Bertha von Suttner (peace advocate) – Reverse people coming together in a square
Rivers and Birds euro banknotes
The “Rivers and Birds” series will feature natural imagery on the front with :
- 5-euro note: Mountain spring with a wallcreeper Reverse – European Parliament
- 10-euro note: Waterfall and a kingfisher Reverse – European Commission
- 20-euro note: River valley with bee-eaters Reverse . European Central Bank
- 50-euro note: Meandering river with a white stork Reverse – Court of Justice of EU
- 100-euro note: River estuary with a pied avocet Reverse – European Council
- 200-euro note: Marine scene with a northern gannet – European Court of Auditors
Next Steps for the Redesign
In 2025, the ECB will assemble a judging panel and invite EU artists to submit proposals. The winning designs will be revealed in 2026, with new notes entering circulation a few years later.
Piero Cipollone, an ECB Executive Board member, reaffirmed the importance of cash. “This project underlines our commitment to banknotes. They remain a key symbol of European unity, preserving both our past and future.”
