What is the situation?
In February 2022, the museum was approached by the liquidators of the bank Lisser & Rosenkranz. They claim that the Koenigs collection was sold under pressure from the Nazi regime in 1940, and that the bank and its shareholders were disadvantaged as a result. The museum takes such signals very seriously and has therefore examined this matter with great care, drawing on extensive archival material and previous research.
This research presents a different picture. Franz Koenigs had a substantial loan with the bank. When he was unable to repay it, the collection was used - according to the contractual agreements of the time - to settle the debt.
Importantly, multiple archival documents show that this loan was fully repaid and that the transaction was primarily aimed at resolving the outstanding debt. The records also indicate that Koenigs and the bank worked closely together, as they maintained a close personal relationship.
Diligence and independent research
The museum attaches great importance to diligence and independent assessment. For that reason, it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Restitution Expertise Centre into the part of the collection that falls under the responsibility of the Dutch State.
What the museum does not recognise is the suggestion that it is blocking research. There is no question of obstructing any investigation:
- extensive documentation has been provided;
- the museum is actively cooperating with ongoing research;
- and relevant information has been made publicly accessible.
Transparency and accessibility
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has been open and transparent for many years about the provenance of its collection, including the Koenigs collection.
- Comprehensive research findings and sources have been published online;
- Previous claims have been examined by independent bodies;
- The museum has always cooperated with restitution requests when there was reason to do so.
All this information is publicly accessible via the museum’s website: Restitutions, ongoing and settled restitution claims - Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and The Koenigs Collection - Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
In conclusion
The history surrounding the Second World War and potential wrongful art transactions demands great care and respect. The museum fully acknowledges the importance of just and fair solutions where appropriate. At the same time, it is essential that public debate is grounded in a complete and factual understanding of the historical record.
The museum remains committed to transparency, thorough research, and collaboration with independent experts.
30 May 2026
Response to NRC article on the Koenigs Collection
On Friday 29 May 2026, NRC published an article suggesting that Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is unwilling to cooperate with provenance research into the Koenigs collection. The museum does not recognise itself in the tenor of this article. The portrayal that the museum is obstructing research or refusing to cooperate is incorrect.