Protection of cultural property; labeling of cultural property

The Cultural Property Protection Emblem under the 1954 Hague Convention is the internationally recognized emblem for the protection of cultural property. Its purpose is to ensure respect for and protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict. The emblem has a pointed bottom and features a blue-and-white color scheme (a blue-and-white diamond). This emblem is used to identify immovable cultural property.

The marking of cultural property is carried out on the basis of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of May 14, 1954. Cultural property within the meaning of the Convention is movable and immovable property that is of the greatest importance to the cultural heritage of any people. This cultural heritage can be monuments and archaeological sites, works of art from all eras, creations and works of poets, thinkers, composers and scientists, as well as all written traditions.

By resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs dated June 26, 1998, the number of objects in the Federal Republic of Germany to be protected under the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (excluding archaeological sites, museums, libraries, and archives) was established. Accordingly, approximately 1,600 architectural monuments in Bavaria are included on the Hague List.

The cultural property protection marks, along with a certificate confirming their protected status, were sent directly to the state governments by the Federal Office for Civil Protection. The state governments are responsible for distributing them to the district administrative authorities.

• Act Implementing the Convention of May 14, 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict
• Implementation of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict; specifically: affixing the Convention’s distinctive emblems in accordance with Articles 6, 16, and 17 of the Hague Convention

• Labeling of cultural property
• Brochure "Protection of cultural property in armed conflicts"