“We are at a point in this war that is the most dangerous to the greatest historical achievements known to man.” This is George Clooney speaking during World War II in Monuments Men, a movie in which he plays art historian Professor Frank Stokes, based on the real Lt George Stout. Lt Stout was one of a band of “art officers” who worked to protect, save and restore Europe’s cultural heritage.
The corps of just 17 people was formed in December 1944 — the Monuments Men. I am looking at them now, and through their eyes, at the Exhibition Monuments Men, in the Chateau de La Roche-Guyon. It is on until November 24, 2024.
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. This castle in a village 75km north-west of Paris is an appropriate place for the exhibition, as during the nazi occupation of France, it was taken over in March 1944 and, for six months, used as the headquarters of German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The French La Rochefoucauld family, which owned the chateau, had a substantial art collection, and it was identified as a crucial site to be protected by the Monuments Men.
This exhibition has been put together by 23-year-old Matteo Grouard, a WWII historian. The exhibition’s subtext is to raise awareness among new generations of the importance of preserving cultural heritage during wars. The display, in the beautiful and immaculately preserved castle on the banks of the river Seine, is also part of the official celebrat.
