Nazi plunder
Nazi plunder refers to items stolen as a result of the organized spoilation of European countries during the time of the Third Reich by agents acting on behalf of the ruling Nazi Party of Germany. Plundering occurred from the late 1930s until the end of World War II, although most plunder was acquired during the war. In addition to lucre, such as gold and currency, cultural items of great significance were stolen, including paintings, ceramics, books, and religious treasures. Whereas many of these items were recovered by the forces of the Allies immediately following the war, many items were lost. Currently, there is an international effort underway to identify Nazi plunder that still remains unaccounted for, with the aim of ultimately returning the items to the families of their rightful owners.
The organization of looting
In 1940, an organization known as Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg für die Besetzen Gebiete (The Reichsleiter Rosenberg Staff for the Occupied Territories), or ERR, was formed, headed by Alfred Rosenberg. Its original purpose was to collect Jewish and Freemasonic books and documents, either for destruction, or for removal to Germany for further "study". However, late in 1940, Hermann Goering issued an order that effectively changed the mission of the ERR, mandating it to seize "Jewish" art collections and other objects. Hitler subsequently ordered that all confiscated works of art were to be made directly available to him.
Hitler envisioned a "National Socialist art museum", to be built in his home city of Linz, Austria. Thousands of art treasures were stolen for this particular purpose. Some were stored in the salt mines near Linz to protect them from Allied bombing late in the war.