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Edited Legal Collections Data |
Book Title: Handbook on the Law of Cultural Heritage and International Trade
Editor(s): Nafziger, A.R. James; Paterson, Kirkwood Robert
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN (hard cover): 9781781007334
Section: Chapter 18
Section Title: Switzerland
Author(s): Renold, Marc-André; Schönenberger, Beat
Number of pages: 29
Abstract/Description:
Since World War II Switzerland has developed as one of the most important countries in the international art trade. For example, it is interesting to note that the auction house Christie's opened its first overseas salesroom abroad, not in New York, but in Geneva in 1968. Nowadays Switzerland is normally considered number four of the biggest players in the art business following the United States, the United Kingdom and France. Today 'Art Basel' - probably the most important art fair in the world - might be seen as the most obvious proof of Switzerland's significance in the international art market. When it comes to antiquities the 'Basel Ancient Art Fair' (BAAF) has developed a decisive role for this branch of cultural property trade. Furthermore it must be noted that in relation to its geographical size and number of inhabitants Switzerland has the highest density of museums in the world and also hosts many exceptional private collections. All this shows that Switzerland is a typical example of a market state. Owing to factors such as its geographical situation in the centre of Europe or the existence of freeports it also plays a role as a transit nation. Other factors, such as the high professional standard of its art dealers and its high quality infrastructure have made Switzerland one of the most attractive places for the art trade in general. Another important reason for this success might have also been a very liberal system of laws in relation to cultural property.
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URL: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/ELECD/2014/294.html