Provenance and Restitution
MNR 643, Alfred Sisley, Allée de peupliers aux environs de Moret-sur-Loing, 1890 © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay)
A Five-Year Research Project at the Musée d’Orsay
5 million
Cultural objects stolen by the Nazis in Europe
60,000
Looted artworks returned to France by 1950
224
Recovered works at the Musée d’Orsay
The Commitment
AFMO is proud to support a project that contributes to transparency, historical understanding, and the responsible stewardship of cultural heritage. A central focus of this initiative involves works known as the Musées Nationaux Récupération (MNR)—artworks recovered in the aftermath of World War II. Of the 60,000 works returned to France at that time, 224 remain in the care of the Musée d’Orsay and require further research.
Our support focuses on two main areas.
Research Team
Over the next five years, AFMO will fund a team of art historians and researchers led by provenance expert Dr. Ines Rotermund-Reynard. Her team will study the ownership histories of the 224 recovered (MNR) works in the Musée d’Orsay’s collections, as well as approximately 200 pieces acquired after 1933. The team will use new technology and work with experts around the world.
MNR 631, Edouard Manet, Oeillets et clématite dans un vase de cristal, 1882 © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay)
Starting early 2026, AFMO will also support the creation of a dedicated gallery at the Orsay that will feature rotating installations of MNR works. By sharing the history of these paintings and the research underway, the gallery will serve as a space for reflection and remembrance. AFMO’s contribution will be recognized with a plaque in the gallery.
A Dedicated Gallery
If you wish to enter a different amount, please the Custom Amount option. We are very grateful for your donation.
For information about contributing via Donor Advised Fund, check, or bank transfer, please click here.
If you have any inquiries about this initiative, please email projects@aforsay.org
Giving Options for Taxpayers outside the U.S.
AFMO is supported by the UK Fund for Charities, Myriad Canada, and Myriad Australia. Though these organizations, taxpayers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia may receive tax benefits for their donations to American Friends Musée d’Orsay et de l’Orangerie.