ICOM Recommendations concerning the Return of Works of Art
Belonging to Jewish Owners


During its last meeting, held in Paris in December 1998, the
Executive Council of the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
discussed the issue of works of art confiscated from Jewish
owners during the Second World War and kept in museums or public
collections.

According to ICOM's Code of Professional Ethics, the Executive
Council wished to reiterate that In all activities, museum
employees must act with integrety and in accordance with the most
stringent ethical principles as well as the highest standards of
objectivity

Concerning the confiscation of Jewish works of art, the Executive
Council of ICOM made the following recommendations to museum
professionals around the world:

- To actively investigate and identify all acquisitions of a
museum, especially those acquired during or just after the Second
World War, that might be regarded as of dubious provenance
(notably objects once belonging to Jewish owners and stolen,
looted or removed forcibly).

- To make such relevant information accessible to facilitate the
research and identification of objects of doubtful provenance by
potential rightful owners or their heirs.

- To actively address and participate in drafting and
establishing procedures, nationally and internationally, for
disseminating information on these objects and facilitating their
rightful return.

- To actively address the return of all objects of art that
formerly belonged to Jewish owners or any other owner, and that
are now in the possession of museums, to their rightful owners or
their heirs, according to national legislation and where the
legitimate acquisition of these objects can clearly be
established.

Created in 1946, ICOM is the international organisation of
museums and professional museum workers. Composed of 15 000
members from around the world, ICOM is devoted to the promotion
and development of museums and the museum profession.

In 1986, ICOM adopted a Code of Professional Ethics that every
museum professional agrees to respect upon joining the
Organisation. This Code, now translated in more than 20
languages, lays down precise rules governing the acquisition and
de-accessioning of collections, and personal responsibility
towards the collections, the public and the profession.

The Executive Council is ICOM's governing body. It is composed of
10 members elected triennially and chaired by Jacques Perot
(France), President of ICOM.


Information:    Valérie Jullien
Tel: 33 (0) 1 45.68.28.36  /  33(0)1 47.34.05.00
Fax: 33 (0) 1 47.34.05.00 Email: [log in to unmask]
Valérie Jullien
Communication Officer / Responsable de la Communication
ICOM Secretariat


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