Provenance research deals with the origin, history, and previous owners of collection objects.

An important part of the work is the systematic review of collections for possible art and cultural assets that were unlawfully taken from their owners during the Nazi era. The basis for this is the "Washington Declaration" adopted at the Washington Conference on Holocaust-Era Assets. Together with 43 other countries, the Federal Republic of Germany has committed to identifying cultural assets confiscated due to persecution during the Nazi era and to finding a fair and just solution with any potential rightful heirs. The investigation of the biographies of victims, perpetrators, and collaborators serves as an important contribution to a vibrant culture of remembrance.

In addition to examining its own collection holdings, preliminary checks of potential new acquisitions are also carried out.