Leadership Shake-Up at Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen as Restitution Scandals Deepen

Bavarian Arts Ministry removes director Bernhard Maaz and appoints Anton Biebl as interim leader, launching reforms to address Nazi-looted art controversies and organizational misconduct.

• Bernhard Maaz has been removed as director of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen following allegations of misconduct and organizational failures, marking a significant leadership change.
• Anton Biebl, former Munich cultural advisor, has been named interim director to guide the institution through a transitional period and implement reforms.
• The Bavarian Ministry of Arts has announced a comprehensive reform package, including a systematic timeline to complete provenance research on unexamined artworks by 2026.
• An internal investigation has been launched into allegations of sexual harassment, employee surveillance, and broader organizational issues within the museum system.
• The unresolved ownership dispute over Picasso's 'Madame Soler' remains emblematic of the challenges in addressing Nazi-looted art restitution, with public trust in the institution at stake.

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