Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Impact and Legacy of Stolen Art

Ever more relevant to museums and galleries around the world, the issue of the provenance of art and artefacts is a fascinating one. Discover the collections of the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague through the lens of stolen art. The Mauritshuis is celebrated for its impressive Flemish art and is home to the famous painting 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring' by Vermeer. Begin the visit with an exclusive introduction to the topic of stolen or looted art, which will take place in the little-known Prince William V Gallery. Your tour is exclusively designed for National Geographic and created by a museum curator with a specialisation in the subject of stolen art.Focusing on items looted at various points in history, your curator-guide will tell the story behind each object, demonstrating that looted or stolen art can maintain relevance in Western museums even after repatriation. You’ll see artworks across three eras: Hanneman's portrait references the colonial past, Rembrandt's self-portrait resonates with the French Revolution, and Berchem's 'Allegory of Summer' reflects World War II challenges.You'll discover current thinking on the ethics of preservation, ownership rights, and the quest for justice in the world of art, inviting reflection on how we navigate the legacy of looted art in the future — a relevant question that museums all over the world are currently grappling with. There will be a refreshment break and free time to explore the museum on your own after the tour.