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Podcasts Take Two
Who were the real Monuments Men?
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Feb 7, 2014
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Who were the real Monuments Men?
New film "The Monuments Men" highlights a real historical group whose personal papers and photographs are on display at the Archives of American Art in Washington.
George Clooney (center) directed and plays a character based on real-life art conservator George Stout in "The Monuments Men," which opens Feb. 7, 2014.
George Clooney (center) directed and plays a character based on real-life art conservator George Stout in "The Monuments Men," which opens Feb. 7, 2014.
(
Sony
)

New film "The Monuments Men" highlights a real historical group whose personal papers and photographs are on display at the Archives of American Art in Washington.

In 1943, war was raging across Europe.

A special unit of art experts was formed to save cultural sites and buildings at risk from Allied bombings and recover masterpieces stolen by the Nazis.

They became known as the Monuments Men ... and are the subject of a star-studded movie of the same name that opens tonight.

But who were the real Monuments Men?

An exhibition of their personal papers and photographs is on display at the Archives of American Art in Washington.

The BBC's Jane O'Brien has this report.