Question 1

What is a restitution?

Accepted Answer

Restitution is the return of something to its rightful owner or to the person legally entitled to it. In the context of cultural property, it often refers to returning works of art or other items that were stolen or displaced during times of conflict, such as World War II.

Question 2

How do I know if an item requires restitution?

Accepted Answer

Look for signs that may indicate the item was stolen or displaced during World War II, such as:
Handwritten inscriptions, inventory numbers, or labels
A missing or incomplete provenance history, particularly between 1933–1945
Unusual markings or stamps on the back or underside of the object
If you notice any of these red flags, please contact us at wwiiart@mmwf.org.

Question 3

What kind of property is the Foundation seeking to return?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation focuses on cultural property stolen or displaced during World War II that has not yet been returned to its rightful owner. This includes works of art, books, archival documents and manuscripts, artifacts, musical instruments, museum collections, and religious objects.

Question 4

Will there be any cost to me to return an item?

Accepted Answer

No. The Foundation does not charge any fees for its restitution services. We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and our mission is to ensure cultural property is returned to its rightful owners.

Question 5

Will I receive a reward or compensation?

Accepted Answer

No. In most cases, the Foundation does not offer rewards or compensation for the return of cultural property.

However, for works of art featured in our WWII Most Wanted Art™ deck of playing cards, an anonymous donor has provided tiered rewards. To learn more, visit this page.

Question 6

Is it illegal to sell an object I believe may be stolen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Selling an object you believe may be stolen — especially cultural property displaced during World War II — is illegal. If you suspect an item may have been looted or unlawfully taken, please contact the Foundation at info@mmwf.org.

Question 7

Am I going to get in trouble if I contact the Foundation?

Accepted Answer

No. The Foundation is not a law enforcement agency and only works with the voluntary submission of cultural objects for return. We cannot and will not initiate prosecution against anyone who comes forward with information or items.
Our sole mission is to return cultural property to its rightful owners. If you have concerns, we are happy to explain the benefits of coming forward and to support you through the process.

Question 8

I want to return a piece of art. What information should I have prepared when first contacting the Foundation?

Accepted Answer

To help us review your case quickly and thoroughly, please include as much information as possible, such as:
The artwork’s title, artist, date, and dimensions
How it was acquired and any known history
If a military veteran was involved, their rank, unit, and service details
Clear, high-resolution photos of the artwork — front, back, and close-ups of any markings or unusual details
Providing this information helps our team begin the research and restitution process more efficiently.
You may submit these on our Art Leads form or write to wwiiart@mmwf.org.

Question 9

I’m an auction house or consignment store and have a painting with dubious provenance. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you believe a work of art has uncertain provenance, please contact our research team at wwiiart@mmwf.org.

Question 10

Is there a list of every stolen artwork from WWII?

Accepted Answer

No. While several European countries have created their own databases of cultural objects missing due to WWII, there is no single, comprehensive list of all looted artworks. Our researchers consult multiple sources and records to determine whether a particular work may have been looted.

Question 11

May I contact the Foundation anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can report information about looted cultural property anonymously. Please call 1-866-WWII-ART or email us at wwiiart@mmwf.org.

Question 12

What if I have a German weapon/ helmet/ medal?

Accepted Answer

These items are not considered cultural property, but war memorabilia, and do not require restitution.These items are considered war memorabilia, not cultural property, and therefore do not require restitution.

Question 13

What if I have Nazi propaganda material?

Accepted Answer

These items are not considered cultural property and therefore do not require restitution.

Question 14

Does the Foundation offer appraisal services?

Accepted Answer

No. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the IRS considers offering appraisals a conflict of interest. The Foundation therefore does not provide appraisal services.

Frequently asked questions