After an investigation into Nazi-looted property, the collections of Jena's municipal museums are to be further examined for cultural assets with problematic origins. "The initial check has provided us with important insights into the origin of the collections. At the same time, it is clear that there is a need for further research," said Kristin Knebel, Director of the Jena City Museums, at the presentation of the project results.
In the coming years, the museums want to focus more on acquisitions from the Soviet occupation zone and the GDR. "The aim is to create transparency, uncover possible seizures of cultural assets, classify them objectively and - if necessary - find fair joint solutions for such cases," continued Knebel.
The so-called Erstcheck in 2025/26 examined the Stadtmuseum's urban history collection for objects that may have been unlawfully seized from their actual owners during the National Socialist era, for example.
