Lecture on the Looting of Polish Cultural Heritage on the Anniversary of Himmler’s Decree

1. Historical and prehistoric objects, records, books and documents of significance for the study of cultural-historical and public life, and in particular those relating to Germany’s participation in the historical, cultural and economic development of the country, as well as documents of significance for contemporary history;
2. Works of art or valuable objects of cultural-historical significance, such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, carpets, crystals, books, etc.
3. Objects, devices and valuables made of precious metals.

This is the list specified in H. Himmler’s Decree on the Confiscation of Cultural Property in the Territories Annexed to the Reich and in the General Government, dated 16 December 1939, under which Nazi Germany looted countless works of art and valuable historic artefacts.

Almost on the anniversary of the decree’s promulgation — 17 December — a lecture will be held at our Museum about the looting of Polish cultural property by the German occupier during World War II. It will be delivered by Magdalena Ogórek, based on her latest book “The Erlking” (Król Olch).