Advise relating to restitution applications
The restitution applications concern works of art that are held by the Dutch State (Dutch National Art Collection) or are in other collections held in the Netherlands, for example by a provincial or local authority institution, a foundation or a private individual (other collections).

If an artwork is held by the Dutch State, the Restitutions Committee advises the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. In such cases the Restitutions Committee advises in accordance with the frameworks and policy guidelines specified by the government. The Minister reviews the reasonableness of the Committee’s recommendation in respect of these frameworks and policy guidelines. The Minister then takes a decision about the restitution application.

If an artwork is not held by the Dutch State, the Restitutions Committee issues a binding opinion to the current holder of the artwork and the former owner or their heirs.

In restitution cases concerning the Dutch National Art Collection, which also includes the NK Collection, or another collection, a comprehensive investigation is conducted before advice or a binding opinion is issued.

Since 1 September 2018, the Expert Centre Restitution (ECR) has been conducting research on the instructions of the Restitutions Committee. The ECR is part of the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Amsterdam.

Sharing knowledge
The Restitutions Committee has acquired a great deal of knowledge about Nazi looted art. The Committee applies this knowledge in its activities relating to advising and issuing rulings about restitution applications. The Restitutions Committee also shares its expertise with parties involved, partners and other interested individuals and entities. It does this, for example, by giving lectures, organizing symposiums and publishing newsletters and articles.

At the end of 2021, to mark its twentieth anniversary, the Committee made a documentary that explains its activities for a broad cross-section of the public. The video is freely available via this website. It will also be shown in secondary schools, colleges and universities as well as in museums.