World News

Holocaust heirs file California lawsuits to reclaim art under updated restitution laws

New legal actions target the Norton Simon Museum and Auschwitz Memorial using expanded state and federal statutes.

Updated Sep 19, 2026 · 16:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

Jewish heirs and representatives filed two separate lawsuits in California seeking the return of art held by the Norton Simon Museum and the Auschwitz Memorial.[ABC News · The Guardian]
The legal actions cite updated California and federal laws designed to strengthen U.S.-based claims to artwork stolen or created under Nazi persecution.[ABC News · The Guardian]
Both museums maintain they possess lawful title to the art and intend to keep the works on public display.[ABC News · The Guardian]

Jewish heirs and representatives filed two lawsuits in California courts to reclaim Nazi-era art.[ABC News · The Guardian]
One lawsuit seeks the return of Lucas Cranach the Elder's 'Adam and Eve' paintings from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.[ABC News · The Guardian]
A second lawsuit against the Auschwitz Memorial demands the return of prisoner watercolors created by Dina Gottliebova Babbitt.[ABC News · The Guardian]
The claims are the first brought following state and federal legal updates expanding U.S. restitution avenues.[ABC News · The Guardian]

The museums contest the claims, with the Norton Simon Museum citing a 2018 court ruling upholding its ownership and Auschwitz officials arguing the watercolors are historical documentation rather than looted art.[ABC News · The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.