The Contact Bureau on Looted Art at the Federal Office of Culture
The Contact Bureau on Looted Art (CBLA) is the federal government's center of expertise for matters relating to Nazi-looted art. Its work encompasses the following three areas of responsibility:
- Enquiries falling within the federal scope of competence
The CBLA is responsible for processing enquiries falling within the area of competence of the Swiss Confederation, i.e. the federal art collections and the federal museums.
If the request concerns the Swiss National Museum, the Swiss National Library, ETH Zurich, or EPFL Lausanne, the CBLA will process the request after prior consultation and in close coordination with the institution concerned. - Enquiries falling within the remit of other institutions or private parties
If a request falls within the responsibility of cantonal, municipal, or private institutions, or of private individuals, the CBLA will refer it to the competent institution or person. Where appropriate and upon request, the CBLA remains available to provide support in a mediating and facilitating capacity.
The CBLA also provides general information to interested parties in its capacity as national point of contact at federal level for looted art. - Centre of competence
The CBLA fosters contact foreign authorities and institutions that deal with the issue of looted art. It promotes the exchange of information and expertise, thereby contributing to networking, knowledge sharing, and the identification and resolution of related issues.
Independent of the CBLA, the Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage has existed since 2026. Appointed by the Swiss Federal Council, the Commission advises the Federal Council and Federal Administration on cultural heritage of tainted historical origin. In addition, at the request of third parties, it issues non-binding recommendations on specific cultural items from the National Socialist period and from colonial contexts: Commission for Historically Problematic Cultural Heritage