Unchained This Noble Family's Art Was Taken by Nazis, But Is Being Saved by NFTs - Ep.300
Dec 21, 2021
In this engaging discussion, William Lopkovitz, Director of Digital and Media Innovation at the House of Lopkovitz, and NFT strategist Michelle Choi dive into the impact of NFTs on cultural preservation. They explore the extraordinary 700-year history of the Bohemian noble family and their struggles against Nazi rule. The duo shares how their friendship blossomed into a collaboration transforming virtual art tours. They highlight innovative fundraising strategies to restore lost art and the potential of blockchain technology in addressing historical injustices.
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Family History of Art and Seizure
- William Lopkovitz's family, Bohemian nobles and art patrons for over 700 years, had their collection seized twice, by Nazis and communists.
- After exile in the US, they returned to Czechoslovakia in 1989, reclaiming a significant portion of their heritage under Vaclav Havel's leadership.
Reconnection and Virtual Tours
- Michelle Choi and William Lopkovitz reconnected through virtual tours of the Lopkovitz collection during COVID.
- Choi, recognizing the fundraising potential, suggested selling the tours to tech companies.
Traditional Funding and COVID's Impact
- The Lopkovitz family traditionally funded their art preservation through tourism and donations.
- COVID forced them to explore creative fundraising methods, leading them to the blockchain and NFTs.