Every single Nobel Prize diploma is way more than just a certificate—it’s a completely unique, custom-tailored work of art. The exact design specs are left entirely up to the specific prize-awarding bodies. For instance, the Literature diploma is meticulously crafted on parchment (a specially treated leather) using techniques that throw it all the way back to medieval book illustrators. On the flip side, diplomas for the other categories are produced on custom-ordered, handmade paper.

From a design perspective, the artistic style of these diplomas gets a fresh look every year, but the typography always follows a strict, time-honored layout in either Swedish or Norwegian. The Swedish-awarded diplomas feature the laureate’s name along with a brief citation explaining exactly why they’re being honored. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Peace Prize diplomas have a clean look and have actually never included a citation.

The obsession with detail during the finishing stage is absolutely next-level, especially when it comes to the covers. For the Physiology or Medicine diploma, a Nobel relief made entirely of leather is attached directly to the surface. After tons of careful prep work, master bookbinders mount each diploma into a gorgeous cover made from premium goatskin leather. The color palette is strictly designated by field:

• Physics: A sleek dark blue leather cover.
• Chemistry: A vibrant red leather cover.
• Physiology or Medicine: A rich burgundy leather cover.
• Economic Sciences: A deep dark brown leather cover.
• Literature: A classic blue leather cover.

But wait, it gets even better! Calligraphers design exclusive, custom gold monograms for each laureate, which are featured on the outside of the diploma and on the storage boxes. These protective boxes are crafted from a gray woven paperboard and lined with super-soft pigskin suede on the inside. The standard size for every Nobel Prize diploma is a perfectly proportioned 23 x 35 cm.

Looking back at the design history of the various awarding institutions reveals some fascinating creative vibes:

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences handles the diplomas for Physics, Chemistry, and, since 1969, Economic Sciences. Their design direction usually revolves around a beautifully coordinated annual theme—think birds, flowers, or delicate vases—rather than being personalized to the individual winner. Since 1988, all the stunning hand-lettered text on these diplomas has been crafted by the renowned calligrapher Annika Rücker. Some standout pieces include the diplomas for David J. Thouless (2015, featuring art by Ingela Berntsson), Theodor W. Hänsch (2005, art by Ingegerd Möller), Eric Cornell (2001, art by Nils G. Stenqvist), and the gorgeous Chemistry diplomas for Kurt Wüthrich (2002), Jacques Dubochet, and Tomas Lindahl.

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet oversees the Physiology or Medicine diplomas. Back between 1901 and 1964, these diplomas were packed with rich, elaborate fine art illustrations. But starting in 1965, the layout took a minimalist turn, featuring a crisp gold medal in relief paired with elegant calligraphic text. Since 1990, this beautiful lettering has been meticulously hand-drawn by calligrapher Susan Duvnäs, beautifully showcased on diplomas for Elizabeth H. Blackburn (2009), Tu Youyou (2015), and Yoshinori Ohsumi (2016).

The Swedish Academy brings an incredibly poetic energy to the Literature diplomas. They always prioritize deeply personalized designs that capture the unique atmosphere, spirit, and soul of each author’s life work. Because the winners aren’t announced until mid-October and everything must be absolutely flawless by December 10th, artists have only a tiny window of a few weeks to study a writer’s entire career and translate it into a visual masterpiece. In 1986, Wole Soyinka of Nigeria became the very first African laureate to win the Nobel Prize in Literature; his diploma radiates a powerful energy filled with throbbing rhythms, magical rites, and a fierce struggle for liberation. This breathtaking, expressive art style also shines through beautifully in the diplomas of Doris Lessing (2007, art by Karin Mamma Andersson), Mario Vargas Llosa (2010, art by John Stenborg), and Bob Dylan (2016, art by Jens Fänge).

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is the creative force behind the Nobel Peace Prize diplomas. Up until 1990, these diplomas were also uniquely designed to forge a deep, meaningful connection with the recipient—like the masterfully crafted diplomas for the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (2015, art by Willibald Storn), Kofi Annan (2001, art by Håkon Gullvåg), and Muhammad Yunus (2006, art by Jarle Rosseland).

To dive deeper into the complete lineup of incredibly talented artists and calligraphers who have lent their vision to these historic projects, check out the www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2026/01/register-of-artists-and-calligraphers-2025.pdf.