The choice of the appropriate Great Cultural Project, as a tool for the realization of strategic development plans of contemporary cities

Great Cultural Projects (GCPs) have a multi‐layer influence on the development of cities, their socio‐economic situation, functional‐spatial structure, tourist attractions as well as their environment quality. The article focuses on the comparison between different types of the GCPs (including: world and international exhibitions, gardening exhibitions, Olympic Games and equally prestigious projects by the European Capitals of Culture) and the role they have played in the development of the cities. The research covered 183 GCPs organized from the 19th till the beginning of the 21st century. GCPs have acted as a catalyst for the development of new districts and the regeneration of degraded areas which resulted not only in creating numerous architectural icons and new city image but also in the social awareness raising and global education. The opportunities as well as the threats of GCPs are closely connected with the GCP type, so the choice of the appropriate GCP can be a tool for the realization of the strategic plans of the city. The aim of the work is to define potential transformation possibilities which each of the GCP has to offer