The Contact Bureau on Looted Art is a center of expertise at the federal level to respond to the issues linked to Nazi-looted art. Its scope of activity includes the three following task areas:
- Inquiries within the federal scope of competence
The Bureau itself processes inquiries, follow-up research, and claims which concern the federal art collections, the National Museum, and the National Library. - Inquiries within the scope of competence of other institutions or private parties
Inquiries which fall into other institution's or private parties' areas of responsibility are relayed by the Bureau to these institutions or persons. Where necessary, the Bureau provides general information. It aims to offer an initial point of contact at national level and to contribute toward just and fair solutions in case of disputes. - Center of competence
The Bureau also maintains contact with foreign institutions and organisations that deal with the issue of looted art. It promotes the exchange of general information, thereby contributing to networking among the parties concerned.