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Abstract

The results of a national survey of American art museums concerning the implementation of World War Il-era provenance research are presented. After outlining the reasons why this research is important to the museum community, background information on the issue of World War ll-era looted art is reviewed. The survey process and the twelve questions that were asked in the anonymous survey are then outlined. The results of the survey are then presented and the implications of this research are discussed. Specifically, 80% of responding museums reported that one or two people were conducting provenance research, and 55% did not yet have policy in place. Eighty-seven percent of museums were not receiving outside funding, and more than 75% indicated that they were encountering difficulties. Three central challenges are identified—time, funding, and training. Despite these challenges, results indicate that the museum community considers World War ll-era provenance research an important issue.

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A Survey of World War II-Era Provenance Research in American Art Museums

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