Modern-Day Monuments Men: The Cultural Property Protection Unit

Meet the modern-day Monuments Men and discover how British military specialists protect historic sites, monuments and artworks during armed conflict.

The Cultural Property Protection Unit is a specialist British Army unit created to safeguard historic sites, monuments and artworks during armed conflict. Its officers bring together expertise in archaeology, museums, heritage and law. 

They advise military commanders, support operational deployments and deliver training to help the UK meet its responsibilities under the 1954 Hague Convention.

The unit continues the work of the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section established during the Second World War. Its members became known as the Monuments Men after recovering artworks and cultural objects looted by the Nazi regime.

Join serving officers for a fascinating discussion about protecting cultural heritage in modern conflict zones.

This event is part of the Chelsea History Festival 2026.