Lawsuits Challenge Nazi‑Looted Art at Norton Simon and Auschwitz as Heirs Gain Legal Muscle
Two California lawsuits target Nazi‑looted artworks still on display: the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is faced with returning Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Adam and Eve, and Gottliebova Babbitt heirs seek the return of watercolors she painted in Auschwitz under orders from Mengele. The actions come after California’s AB 2867 and the federal Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025, which expand heirs’ ability to pursue recovery in court. Museums insist they hold valid title and will keep the works on view, while advocates say recovering the art could fund support for Holocaust survivors; Auschwitz Memorial contends the watercolors are essential historical documents and should remain. The cases will test how new laws affect ownership disputes over Nazi‑looted art.
