Agreement on Gurlitt estate respects international principles on looted art
Bern, 24.11.2014 - The Federal Council acknowledges that the foundation Kunstmuseum Bern, a foundation under Swiss private law, has said it accepts the estate of Cornelius Gurlitt. It welcomes the fact that the agreement concluded expressly recognises the Washington Principles of 1998, and thus allows to continue the investigation of the provenance of the art of the Gurlitt estate. These Principles, which have been recognised by Switzerland and 43 other states, are crucial for the resolution of issues in the field of looted art. The federal government considers it to be extremely important that looted art is quickly returned to the original owners.