Existing comment:
Collecting Points:
In 1945, the Monuments Men established two primary central collecting points, in Munich and Wiesbaden, Germany, where shipments of stolen artwork and other loot -- such as books, decorative arts, and manuscripts -- could be received, inventoried, and sorted.
Here, countries could claim their stolen heritage and make arrangements for transport back to their countries. Transport was usually arranged by the Monuments Men, using Allied equipment and airplanes. Many pieces were never claimed, and more, hidden away, have yet to be discovered.
Soldiers prepare a Rubens portrait at the Munich Central Collecting Point for shipment to France, 1945. |