The study aims to examine the role and operation of architectural centers in European countries, clarify why architectural policy institutions are needed and how they should operate to improve the publicness of architecture in Korea. Several architectural centers in Europe with experience going through various changes were chosen to examine their operation, organizational types, and programs. A comparative analysis was performed on the characteristics of domestic and European architectural centers. The results were used to propose the applicability and promotional tasks for similar domestic institutions. To increase public awareness and promote participation, various programs and efficient systems need to be implemented. Although Korea has mainly focused on research to establish industrial promotion policies related to urban architecture, there have been insufficient interchange and a lack of public functions. Therefore, establishing a specialized, integrated agency like European architecture centers that develop various programs while acquiring political support will help to equip Korea to provide quality architectural and urban designs with technological competitiveness.