Art Protection and Architectural Preservation in the Netherlands (1938-1945)

Seen from the perspective of art protection and architectural preservation, the Netherlands held an exceptional position among the 'civilized nations' during the first half of the 20th century. On the one hand, the country had hosted three international Peace Conferences and ratified the resulting Hague Conventions of 1899, 1907 and 1954, which stipulated that all seizure, destruction or intentional damage to historical monuments and works of art or science is prohibited in case of war and hostile occupation of foreign territories. On the other hand, the first national legislation to protect historical buildings and monuments against disfigurement and demolition in times of peace was implemented as late as 1961.