About

After testing the waters as an aspiring professional tennis player, Robert Edsel shifted careers and built from the ground up a successful oil and gas exploration company that pioneered the use of horizontal drilling.

Seventeen years later, he sold the company to pursue his interest in art and architecture, a decision that lead to his discovery of the Monuments Men story.

Robert founded the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art to honor the remarkable legacy of these men and women. His work has resulted in numerous honors including the National Humanities Medal, the United States of America’s highest honor for work in the humanities, presented by the President of the United States at a White House ceremony.

Robert Edsel has written four books, published two others, co-produced the Emmy-nominated documentary film "The Rape of Europa", consulted with George Clooney on his film production, "The Monuments Men", based on his second book, and has served as the Executive Producer and on-air host of an acclaimed television series, "Hunting Nazi Treasure".

Robert travels frequently as a speaker introducing the story of the Monuments Men and Women through multi-media presentations to audiences throughout the United States and Western Europe as well as to men and women in uniform. He has served on various not-for-profit boards, including The National WWII Museum and St. Mark’s School of Texas.