Meike Hopper to Lead Germany’s Lost Art Foundation in Restitution Mission

A new era begins for Nazi-era restitution as Hopper takes the helm. Can her dual role bridge research and justice for looted cultural heritage?

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2025 November 29 . 5:45 PM

1 min read

This is the picture of a museum plaque on which there is something written and also we can see some... — This is the picture of a museum plaque on which there is something written and also we can see some sculptures on it.

New Head of the German Center for Cultural Heritage Losses - Meike Hopper to Lead Germany’s Lost Art Foundation in Restitution Mission

The German Lost Art Foundation has named Meike Hopper as its new director, starting on 1 December. She replaces Gilbert Lupfer, who led the organization for five years. The foundation specializes in locating cultural assets looted during the Nazi era, especially those taken from Jewish owners.

Based in Magdeburg, the German Lost Art Foundation was set up in 2015 as the country’s central body for tracking unlawfully seized cultural property. Its work focuses on restitution and research into Nazi-era confiscations.

Hopper’s appointment marks a new chapter for the foundation, which continues its mission of identifying and returning looted cultural property. Her dual role at the University of Cologne will run alongside her directorship, combining research with practical restitution efforts.