Enteignet, entzogen, verkauft: Zur Aufarbeitung der Kulturgutverluste in SBZ und DDR

Cultural heritage institutions are still addressing museum ethics, such as the right of nationalized property from 1945-1990 to be part of public collections, the types of dispossessions that took place, and the circumstances under which the objects entered public collections. The German Lost Art Foundation is investigating the confiscations of cultural goods in the Soviet Occupation Zone and East Germany.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 349 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

Despite the efforts of a reunited Germany to address pending property issues, cultural heritage institutions continue to grapple with complex ethical dilemmas related to museum practices. One pressing question revolves around the inclusion of nationalized property dating from 1945 to 1990 in public collections. This raises concerns about the appropriate ownership and management of such artifacts, particularly given the historical context of the Cold War and the displacement of individuals and communities.

To delve into these questions, cultural heritage institutions must engage in thorough investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the dispossession of these objects. This involves examining the legal frameworks and processes that led to their acquisition by the state or other entities. It also requires identifying the individuals and groups involved in these transactions, as well as the motivations behind them.

Furthermore, these inquiries extend beyond national borders. Confiscated private collections and items of uncertain origin from the Museumsfonds der DDR (East Germany's museum stock) were exchanged for foreign currency on the international art market. This raises questions about the potential exploitation of cultural heritage and the ethical implications of such transactions.

To address these concerns, the German Lost Art Foundation has taken on a crucial role. Since 2017, the foundation has been facilitating research into the confiscations of cultural goods in the Soviet Occupation Zone and East Germany. This area of research is of immense importance, as it sheds light on the historical injustices and the ongoing efforts to reclaim and preserve cultural heritage.

Through its investigations and advocacy work, the German Lost Art Foundation aims to promote transparency, accountability, and the ethical management of cultural heritage. It seeks to ensure that the stories and legacies of individuals and communities affected by these confiscations are heard and that their cultural heritage is protected and preserved for future generations.

In conclusion, the ethical considerations surrounding the inclusion of nationalized property dating from 1945 to 1990 in public collections and the cross-border exchange of cultural heritage are complex and multifaceted. Cultural heritage institutions must engage in thorough investigations to uncover the truth and promote ethical practices to ensure the preservation and protection of cultural heritage for generations to come.

Weight: 861g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110744507