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Foto van een medewerker van CCNL in het depot

Origins unknown

In the period 1933-1945 the Nazi regime looted and confiscated an unprecedented number of cultural objects in many countries, including the Netherlands. Objects were also sold or surrendered, sometimes under duress. After the Second World War some of them were returned. Here you can find links to more information about how we in the Netherlands handle this cultural property.

Cultural Goods World War II

Search in the collection

The online ‘Cultural Goods WWII’ portal includes pictures and information about cultural objects from the period 1933-1945. Here you can search freely in the NK Collection, museum acquisitions and the SNK (Netherlands Art Property Foundation) registration forms on works not returned. 

Loans from the NK Collection

Some of the WWII collection is held in the Netherlands Art Property (NK) Collection. These objects are managed by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and, under certain conditions, are available on loan. (Information in Dutch.)

Restitution request

Submitting a request

You want to submit a restitution request for an art object or other cultural property from the period 1933-1945 (WWII). How can you do that?

Receiving a request

You have received a request for the restitution of an artwork from the period 1933-1945 (WWII). What should you do?

Provenance research

Results of provenance research

A brief introduction to various provenance investigations, past and present, and their results.

Sources and archives

A list of sources and archives which may be useful when undertaking provenance research. (Information in Dutch.)

How to do provenance research

In Autumn 2023 some guidelines and tips for doing provenance research will be published online.

Restitution policy and its implementation

Current policy

The current restitution policy in more detail.

Relevant organisations

A brief description of the various bodies responsible for applying the restitution policy.

Policy history

The background to and development of the Netherlands’ restitution policy. (Information in Dutch.)

Stories and background information

'In pursuit of provenance’ blogs

Blogs about provenance research conducted on objects from the Netherlands Art Property (NK) Collection.

Interviews and articles

Background information about the restitution policy, how it is put into effect and other activities.

Online newsletter

All editions of the online newsletter ‘Cultural goods WWII’.

Any questions?

Please contact our Info desk.