So many epic tales have been told about the Second World War that it is hard to believe there is one amazing story that has remained relatively unknown until now. It is the story of the monuments men, a group of over 400 soldiers and civilians who combed Europe to save artwork, sculpture, architecture and other cultural jewels from destruction and theft. The actor and director George Clooney was so taken with their exploits he helmed a feature film project about the group.
Widespread looting by occupying forces, primarily the Nazis, and the destruction of significant structures was of major concern. In 1943 the Civil Affairs and Military Government section of the Army created the MFAA (Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives division). This group was manned by experts in art, architecture and history from the top museums and university in the United States. The reason was simple: safeguard the cultural and artistic treasures in the various theaters of war around the world.
When the European war began in 1939, many art organizations and private citizens raised the issue of cultural monument destruction, and art looting. Efforts lead by the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York resulted in FDR establishing the American Commission for the Protection and Salvage and Historic Monuments in War Areas. This is what ultimately lead to the special division that came to be known as the monuments men.
One very important task the group had to do was to alert Allied bomber pilots to the locations of culturally significant sites, such as monuments, buildings and outdoor sculptures. Using aerial reconnaissance photos, experts would mark and prioritize sites. In some cases bombing plans were completely re-worked to avoid destroying historic sections of a town.
Once Allied ground troops moved into Europe, men of MFAA would be attached to forward units to assess damage. Often they would shore up and temporarily repair structures until more permanent restoration work could be done. The teams would also interview local citizens to get information on missing artwork and try and determine locations of hiding places.
As the Nazis spread across Europe and other regions, they systematically looted the cultural treasures of many nations. Priceless art was also destroyed if it was deemed unacceptable by the cultural standards of Hitler and the Nazi leadership. The monuments men were also tasked with documenting which pieces had been destroyed as well.
One fascinating aspects of MFAA efforts was their work to locate the vast repositories that were used to hide stolen art and treasure. Many have called this work the greatest treasure hunting in history. The hunt took the men to many far flung locations searching for these hidden caches. Hermann Goering's looted treasure of over 1,000 works of art were found in the Bavarian Alps at Berchtesgaden. Another huge find was in a salt mine in Austria where over 6,500 paintings were recovered.
The story of the monuments men is truly fascinating as it combines all the elements of good tale. Mystery, excitement, bravery and justice. The new focus on these efforts has spawned not only a Hollywood film, but a number of newly produced books and documentaries. The interest is a testament to the work of the brave men and women in the MFAA and their dedication to preservation of great art.
Widespread looting by occupying forces, primarily the Nazis, and the destruction of significant structures was of major concern. In 1943 the Civil Affairs and Military Government section of the Army created the MFAA (Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives division). This group was manned by experts in art, architecture and history from the top museums and university in the United States. The reason was simple: safeguard the cultural and artistic treasures in the various theaters of war around the world.
When the European war began in 1939, many art organizations and private citizens raised the issue of cultural monument destruction, and art looting. Efforts lead by the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York resulted in FDR establishing the American Commission for the Protection and Salvage and Historic Monuments in War Areas. This is what ultimately lead to the special division that came to be known as the monuments men.
One very important task the group had to do was to alert Allied bomber pilots to the locations of culturally significant sites, such as monuments, buildings and outdoor sculptures. Using aerial reconnaissance photos, experts would mark and prioritize sites. In some cases bombing plans were completely re-worked to avoid destroying historic sections of a town.
Once Allied ground troops moved into Europe, men of MFAA would be attached to forward units to assess damage. Often they would shore up and temporarily repair structures until more permanent restoration work could be done. The teams would also interview local citizens to get information on missing artwork and try and determine locations of hiding places.
As the Nazis spread across Europe and other regions, they systematically looted the cultural treasures of many nations. Priceless art was also destroyed if it was deemed unacceptable by the cultural standards of Hitler and the Nazi leadership. The monuments men were also tasked with documenting which pieces had been destroyed as well.
One fascinating aspects of MFAA efforts was their work to locate the vast repositories that were used to hide stolen art and treasure. Many have called this work the greatest treasure hunting in history. The hunt took the men to many far flung locations searching for these hidden caches. Hermann Goering's looted treasure of over 1,000 works of art were found in the Bavarian Alps at Berchtesgaden. Another huge find was in a salt mine in Austria where over 6,500 paintings were recovered.
The story of the monuments men is truly fascinating as it combines all the elements of good tale. Mystery, excitement, bravery and justice. The new focus on these efforts has spawned not only a Hollywood film, but a number of newly produced books and documentaries. The interest is a testament to the work of the brave men and women in the MFAA and their dedication to preservation of great art.
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