Support The Monuments Men In The Search For Lost Art

CULVER CITY, Calif., Dec. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the nationwide release of The Monuments Men, the new film from director George Clooney based on the true story of the race to save 1000 years of culture, moviegoers can visit SupportTheMonumentsMen.com, where they will find resources and information about the ways we all can continue the search for landmark works that were stolen or taken as souvenirs during World War II and are still missing today.  The film, which is written by George Clooney & Grant Heslov, will be released on February 7, 2014.

Robert M. Edsel, who founded and heads the Monuments Men Foundation, added, "The Monuments Men and women saved almost five million cultural objects, but so much is still missing. They could be anywhere, in your grandfather's attic, or hiding in plain sight.  I'm thrilled that with the release of the movie, there will be a way for the public to help complete these heroes' mission.  Call 1-866-WWII-ART and find out how you can help."

At SupportTheMonumentsMen.com, moviegoers can sign a virtual petition supporting the Monuments Men's efforts to preserve and protect great cultural works of art by encouraging members of Congress to honor the Monuments Men with the Congressional Gold Medal. 

In addition, visitors will find a phone number – 1-866-WWII-ART – which will connect callers directly to the Monuments Men Foundation, where they can speak with a Monuments Men Foundation representative regarding the search for lost art. 

Also as a part of the Support the Monuments Men site, visitors will find an interactive map.  On the map, moviegoers can find out local museums that will be featuring their institutions' connection to the Monuments Men – such as personnel who participated in the campaign or rescued works of art that hang on the museums' walls. 

On the "Journey of the Monuments Men" feature, visitors can read about the history – from information about the real Monuments Men to the efforts they and others took to save landmark works during the war.

Finally, the studio has developed an educational program to engage high school and college students, families and art buffs about the story of the Monuments Men.  The educational site, at www.MonumentsMenEducation.com, features downloadable lesson plans that meet common core state standards, an interactive map, and videos to spark discussion and aid educators in building a curriculum.  Students are also invited to get involved by uploading photos of local works of art that best represent their communities. The photos can be uploaded by visiting the Tumblr page at www.LocalTreasure.tumblr.com.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world's artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners.  With the art hidden behind enemy lines, how could these guys hope to succeed?  But as the Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.  The screenplay is by George Clooney & Grant Heslov, based on the book by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter.  Produced by Grant Heslov and George Clooney. 

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SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment