The Museum of Fine Arts in Bern has decided to accept the Gurlitt collection. As many pieces are suspected to have been stolen or confiscated during World War II, the decision is a controversial one.

Together with the German government and the state of Bavaria, the museum said it wants to uphold its "historical responsibility" and return any looted art to its owners, or to the German government.

The collection is believed to contain many paintings that were part of the Nazis' campaign against what they called 'degenerate art' as well as art which may have been looted.

Mr. Gurlitt had bequeathed his collection to the museum in Bern, but given the controversial history of many of the works, it was unclear whether the museum would accept the gift.

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