Every year the Stedelijk and the Stichting De Best Verzorgde Boeken present the most outstanding book designs of the past year. A professional jury assesses the books on the basis of design excellence, printing and binding techniques, and the collaboration between designer and client. The Best Dutch Book Designs is the oldest annual contest of its kind in Europe. The exhibition has a long tradition at the Stedelijk. The inaugural edition was staged in 1932 and, with a few exceptions, the museum has mounted the exhibition annually.