Rathausausstellung 2026 - Tafel 28: Kunstraub und Kampfmoral | Town-hall Exhibition 2026 - Panel 28: Art theft and battle spirit

The involvement of Hamburg art experts and artists Art experts from Hamburg museums collaborated in the plundering of the Jewish population. They appraised art objects in the private homes of Jewish emigrants and handpicked valuable pieces for their own institutions at ‘Jewish auctions’ of property looted from emigrants or deportees. The Hamburg office of Cultural Affairs earmarked special funds for this very purpose from 1941 onwards. Hamburg experts also participated in the theft of art in countries occupied by germany. Hamburg artists from the world of music and theatre performed behind the front lines to entertain the troops. These performances were co-ordinated with the Propaganda Ministry and were designed to boost the morale and staying power of german soldiers in the war of annihilation.